Research indicates a link between periodontal disease and heart disease, arthritis, and other debilitating conditions. Learn more about gum disease, treatment and the possible link to Alzheimer’s from Denton dentist, Dr. Ted Dunson III.
Dental health involves more than teeth. Healthy gums are vital to a healthy mouth and to systemic well-being. Health care professionals see a link between gum, or periodontal, disease and conditions such as diabetes, stroke, arthritis and even Alzheimer’s Disease. With the size of today’s aging population, interest in this form of dementia has peaked.
What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease, present in about half of American adults, contributes to:
- tooth loss
- tooth misalignment
- chronic bad breath or halitosis
- general health problems
As sticky plaque and hard tartar that accumulate on and between teeth and beneath gum tissue push gums away from teeth and roots, periodontal pockets grow. These spaces fill with oral bacteria that decay teeth and destroy gum tissue and supporting bone.
Common symptoms of periodontitis are:
- bleeding, reddened, swollen and tender gums
- bad breath
- pus at the gum line
- tooth mobility
While regular brushing and flossing remove plaque, hygienic cleanings at South Ridge Dental clean the spots patients miss. These routines promote healthy gums.
While gum disease is largely preventable through at-home hygiene and professional cleanings, some people, through heredity, cancer treatment or some health conditions, are more prone to periodontitis. As such, they benefit from frequent visits with Ted Dunson III DDS at Southridge Dental to sustain oral and systemic health.
What is Alzheimer’s Disease?
Alzheimer’s Disease is a progressive deterioration of:
- short-term memory
- ability to concentrate and perform the ordinary tasks of daily living such as dressing
- language skills
- cognitive processes
Approximately 4.5 million adults in the United States have Alzheimer’s Disease , and its ultimate cause baffles researchers, physicians and family members of those afflicted. What is known is that the brains of sufferers deteriorate because of characteristic plaques or tangles nerve cells.
Are periodontitis and Alzheimer’s associated?
They seem correlated. Many individuals with Alzheimer’s also have poor oral health. Scientists are investigating presence of micro-organisms in the brains of these dementia patients. Called P. gingivalis, the suspect bacteria is the microbe found in gum tissue of people with periodontal disease.
While cause and effect between the germ and the disease are not fully established, science continues to pursue a definite answer. Physicians and dentists feel that a blood test which screens for P. gingivalis could aid in predicting and diagnosing Alzheimer’s.
Dr. Dunson believes in preventive dentistry
At Southridge Dental, Dr. Dunson and his professional staff teach patients about how important prevention is. Keep teeth and gums healthy through semi-annual cleanings and exams. Plus, if gum issues occur, prevent them from affecting overall health by getting gentle gum disease therapy in the Denton, TX office.
Denton gum disease treatment involves tooth scaling and root planing to remove harmful tartar and plaque and their bacteria. Performed in-office, gum disease treatment helps gums to re-attach to tooth surfaces and prevents long-term health issues.
Concerned about your gums?
Contact Southridge Dental today for a one-on-one consultation. Ted Dunson III DDS and his team will give you and your mouth the best dental care available. Come with your questions about the connection between your mouth and your body!