While periodontal disease gets the majority of its reputation for sore, bleeding gums and a greater chance of tooth loss, the fact of the matter is that this common infection affects the entire body in many unexpected ways. When left untreated for an extended period of time, advanced gum disease can contribute to a variety of potentially life-threatening health problems. Only professional periodontal therapy can completely reverse the disease and therefore lower your chances of developing these complications.

The Mouth-Body Connection

When bacteria that has accumulated along the gum line seeps into the blood stream, it can quickly spread throughout the rest of the body. Over time, the infection can begin to affect various other tissues and organs, resulting in health problems that may go undetected for years until symptoms develop. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, some of the most common medical complications associated with untreated periodontal disease include the following:

• Osteoporosis
• Coronary artery disease
• Heart disease
• Cancer, particularly of the pancreas and blood
• Respiratory disease, including pneumonia
• Complications in patients with diabetes
• Preterm birth and low birth weight

Fortunately, patients treated with periodontal therapy have been found to be at a lesser risk of developing these problems. This is why it is critical that patients experiencing the symptoms of gum disease seek treatment as soon as possible. Common symptoms of periodontal disease include:

• Bleeding when you brush and/or floss
• Persistent bad breath
• Redness and severe discoloration along the gum line
• Sensitivity
• A feeling of soreness in the jaw directly beneath teeth

Contact your local dentists in Natick to find out how periodontal therapy can help keep you protected from serious health problems associated with gum disease. We also happily welcome patients from the surrounding areas of Sherborn, Weston, Wellesley, Framingham, Ashland, Wayland and beyond.