Health Benefits of Periodontal Treatments

June 10, 2019 / Paula

A growing body of research and findings is linking gum disease (periodontal disease) with systemic health problems, including heart disease and an increased risk for stroke. If you have not undergone a dental exam or dental cleaning in the past several months, you may be developing gum disease. Many of the early symptoms of gum disease are hard to detect without the trained eye of an experienced dentist.

Dr. Helen Ragsdale offers periodontal treatments at Austin Laser Dentist in Austin, TX. The straightforward and minimally invasive gum disease treatment offered at our dental practice can restore your oral health and reduce your risk for more serious health complications.

Health Problems Linked to Gum Disease

The American Academy of Periodontology is a leading source of information and research about health conditions that are linked to gum disease. The Academy notes that periodontal disease is “associated with several diseases.” While early theories pointed toward bacteria as the cause of heart disease and other health problems, recent research has shown that inflammation may be responsible for the association, according to the Academy.

The current consensus among dental health researchers is that treating inflammation may help manage periodontal diseases as well as related chronic inflammatory conditions.

Diseases that the American Academy of Periodontology has linked to gum disease include:

Diabetes: Individuals with diabetes are more likely to have gum disease. Periodontal disease is even considered a complication that results from diabetes. Research suggests that the relationship goes both ways. Periodontal disease may contribute to the difficulty individuals with diabetes have controlling their blood sugar.
Heart disease: Studies have shown that gum disease is connected to heart disease. While a causal relationship has not been proven, individuals with periodontal disease have been shown to be at an elevated risk for heart disease. One theory is that periodontal disease can exacerbate existing heart conditions.
Stroke: Studies have also suggested a relationship between periodontitis and stroke. Individuals diagnosed with acute cerebrovascular ischemia (a condition in which there is insufficient blood flow to the brain) were found more likely to have gum disease than individuals in the control group.
Osteoporosis: Researchers suggest that there may be a link between osteoporosis and jawbone recession, which commonly results from gum disease.
Respiratory disease: Bacteria that grow in the mouth can transfer to the lungs, causing respiratory diseases such as pneumonia.
Cancer: Men with gum disease were 49 percent more likely to develop kidney cancer and more than 50 percent more likely to develop pancreatic cancer.

Treatment Options for Periodontitis

At Austin Laser Dentist, Dr. Ragsdale treats moderate to severe cases of periodontal disease with laser periodontal treatment. Dr. Ragsdale uses a tiny laser probe that is inserted into diseased pockets of gum tissue. The laser destroys bacteria without impacting your gums.

Early stages of periodontal disease can be treated with nonsurgical periodontal therapy. This treatment begins with a thorough cleaning where plaque and tartar are scraped away. Rough spots along the tooth root are then smoothed through root planing. After four to six weeks, gum swelling should subside.

Once treated, patients should work to prevent gum disease from returning by practicing good oral hygiene habits and scheduling regular dental cleanings and exams.