Why Is Treating Gum Disease So Important?

by Andrea L. Algar

Gum Disease

It's shocking to think that something so easily "put on the back burner" can put your health at such risk. As I dig deeper into the perils of periodontal disease, more commonly referred to as "gum disease", it is startling to see just how many diseases can form or worsen from it.

People talk about the importance of treating gum disease, but many just don't understand why, or how severe the problems can be.

First, understand the symptoms of gum disease:

• tooth sensitivity
• redness of the gums
• inflamed, irritated gums
• bleeding gums
• pus between teeth
• sores in the mouth
• plaque formed around teeth
• persistent bad breath
• loosening of teeth and/or dentures

Then, look at how gum disease can quickly progress:

• plaque spreads below the gum line
• pockets form around the teeth
• abscess / infection develops
• sores in the mouth
• deterioration of the jaw bone begins
• bone recedes from around the tooth
• bone loss results in sunken facial appearance
• skin looks more wrinkled and aged
• teeth loosen and become unstable
• tooth loss occurs as bone loss progresses

Gum disease can take many forms:

• Gingivitis
• Aggressive Periodontitis 
• Chronic Periodontitis 
• Periodontitis with Systemic Disease
• Necrotizing Periodontitis

What is not discussed as often are the health consequences of this progression of gum disease. As bone loss progresses, it puts one a greater risk for medical conditions. Researchers have been able to tie gum disease to serious health conditions such as:

• bone loss in mouth
• diabetes
• pancreatic cancer
• heart disease
• respiratory diseases
• pneumonia
• osteoporosis
• throat and/or mouth cancers
• pancreatic cancer
• blood cancer
• kidney cancer

What are common factors that put you at risk for developing periodontal gum disease?

• age
• tobacco use / smoking
• stress
• grinding your teeth
• medications
• genetics
• poor nutrition
• obesity
• cardiovascular disease
• rheumatoid arthritis
• diabetes

For decades, the only solution to gum disease was cut and sew surgical methods which were painful and took months. But this is no longer the case. Upcoming articles will take a took at state-of-the-art treatment methods which are quickly revolutionizing the treatment of gum disease. I've interviewed Dr. Gregory Bowen, one of the first dentists in San Antonio to obtain revolutionary new equipment called Periolase. He will be providing details on how the LANAP procedure works and what it means to San Antonio men and women who may have gum disease, whether in early stages or those with gum disease that has progressed into bone loss.

The great news is that early symptoms of gum disease may be easily treatable through increased attention to simple dental care activities like brushing and flossing.  If you suspect that you have gum disease consider a visit with a qualified dentist to get a professional assessment. Don't put your health at risk.

RESOURCES FOR ADDITiONAL INFORMATION:
American Academy of Periodontology
Dr. Gregory R. Bowen, DDS - San Antonio Dentist Specializing in Periolase Laser Gum Treatments
MedicineNet - Gum Disease
National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research
Periolase - LANAP procedure for non-surgical gum disease treatment
WebMD - Periodontal Disease, Gum Disease