If you have gum disease (also known as periodontal disease), you are vulnerable to many other health conditions, which make the disease even more serious and dangerous. If your gums have fallen victim to the disease, we recommend meeting with Dr. Anne Nicholas and her team of specialists to discuss the possibilities of the following health complications:
Respiratory Disease
If you have periodontal disease, you could be at risk for developing respiratory disease. Additional research is needed to confirm exactly how periodontal disease can put people at increased risk for respiratory disease, but we do know that oral infections are associated with increased risk of respiratory infection, like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and pneumonia. These infections develop when the bacteria in the mouth or upper throat are inhaled into the lower respiratory tract. This can be severely dangerous; it can even lead to death. So, if you’re at risk for respiratory disease or gum disease, please call 760-851-0314 to schedule an appointment regarding a periodontal evaluation. If you have healthy gums, you will have a higher chance of maintaining a healthy body.
Heart Disease
We’ve known for quite some time that bacteria can affect the heart, which is why we are so concerned about periodontal disease contributing to heart disease. Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection that can increase one’s risk of having a fatal heart attack. Although more research is needed, we know that the periodontal bacteria can enter the blood stream through the swollen gums and can cause small blood clots that can contribute to clogged arteries. The inflammation caused by periodontal disease can also contribute to the buildup of fatty deposits inside heart arteries, which could cause many heart problems and complications.
Diabetes
If you have diabetes, there is a high chance that you are a victim of periodontal disease, as well. For many years, studies and research have shown that people with diabetes are more likely to have periodontal disease than those without diabetes. Because of this fact, periodontal disease often makes it difficult for those with diabetes to control their blood sugar. Although more research is needed to expound further on this correlation, we know that gum disease can increase blood sugar, which can contribute to diabetic complications and high blood sugar. So, controlling your periodontal disease can also help you control your diabetes.
Pregnancy Complications
Periodontal disease can also affect pregnancies more than you might realize. If you are pregnant, as well as a woman who suffers from periodontal disease, there is a chance that you could have a premature, low birth-weight baby. Although evidence has supported this theory, more research is needed to confirm how periodontal disease affects pregnancy outcomes. However, we know that this disease is an infection, and all infections are cause for concern among pregnant women.
Therefore, it is very important that you future mothers visit Dr. Anne Nicholas and her team of specialists for a periodontal evaluation as part of your prenatal care. If you work toward healthier gums, you are working toward a healthier body and a healthier baby.
Dr. Nicholas is a well-known dentist, but she is also a celebrated periodontist, which means she has expert knowledge in gum tissue treatments. A board-certified periodontist like Dr. Nicholas is the most qualified dental professional to treat your condition and to prescribe the most effective treatment plan for managing periodontal disease. So, don’t trust your health and your smile to a mere discount dentist, put yourself in the expert hands of an expert periodontist who can give you the excellent care that you need and deserve.
There are many people in the United States who suffer from periodontal disease, respiratory disease, heart disease, diabetes, and pregnancy complications. If you are one of these people, we strongly recommend calling our office today and scheduling an appointment with Dr. Anne Nicholas and her team of specialists who are serving Palm Desert, La Quinta, Rancho Mirage and the surrounding areas of the Coachella Valley at the Palm Desert Center for Advanced Periodontics, Cosmetic, Sedation and Implant Dentistry. They can be reached by phone at 760-851-0314 or at their office in Palm Desert, California.