HEART DISEASE
The greatest side effect of untreated
periodontal disease is tooth and bone loss. As bacteria in the mouth eat away at the gums, teeth become loose and unprotected and suffer from decay. Tooth loss eventually leads to jawbone deterioration as the tooth is not present to stimulate the jawbone to keep it healthy.
PREMATURE BIRTH
Recent studies by the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Dentistry revealed that women with gum disease may be up to 7x more likely to deliver a pre-term, low birth weight baby. Research suggests that toxins released in the bloodstream as a result of gum disease can lead to premature labor.
PANCREATIC CANCER
Studies have suggested that periodontal disease could lead to increased pancreatic cancer because individuals with periodontal disease have higher levels of oral bacteria and higher levels of nitrosamines, which are
carcinogens, in their oral cavity that circulate through the body through the bloodstream.
OSTEOPOROSIS
Women with periodontal disease and
osteoporosis are especially susceptible to tooth loss. Studies have recently shown a strong relationship between periodontitis,
osteoporosis, and tooth loss. It has been suggested that the loss of bone density in the jaw may leave teeth more susceptible to the bacteria that cause gum disease.
UNCONTROLLED DIABETES
Research has come forth that suggests that the relationship between periodontal disease and diabetes goes both ways. Periodontal disease can make it more difficult for diabetics to control their blood sugar and those who have diabetes are more likely to have periodontal disease than those who do not.
TOOTH AND BONE LOSS
The greatest side effect of untreated
periodontal disease is tooth and bone loss. As bacteria in the mouth eat away at the gums, teeth become loose and unprotected and suffer from decay. Tooth loss eventually leads to jawbone deterioration as the tooth is not present to stimulate the jawbone to keep it healthy.
