Dr. Sfakianakis-Perio disease

FAMILIES AND PERIODONTAL DISEASE

Researchers suggest periodontal disease can pass through saliva. This means that the common contact of saliva in families may put children and couples at risk for contracting the periodontal disease of another family member. Based on this research, The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) recognizes that treatment of gum disease may involve entire families. If one family member has periodontal disease, the AAP recommends that all family members see a dental professional for a periodontal disease screening.

Parents should also be aware that periodontal disease is not just an adult health problem. In fact, studies indicate that gingivitis is nearly a universal finding in children and adolescents. Gingivitis is the first level of periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is a bacterial gum infection that progresses over time and can become more advanced with age.

Periodontal disease is a leading cause of tooth loss in adults. In addition, research has linked it to more serious health threats such as diabetes, cardiovascular and respiratory disease, and pre-term low-birthweight babies

Below you can see how the supporting bone of the tooth is lost, leading in mobility and eventually in tooth loss.

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SMOKING AND PERIODONTAL DISEASE

Smoking may be responsible for more than half of the cases of periodontal disease among adults in the United States, according to a study published in the Journal of Periodontology (JOP). The study found that current smokers are about four times more likely than people who have never smoked to have advanced periodontal disease.

Research shows that smokers loose more teeth than non smokers. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, only about 20 percent of people over age 65 who have never smoked are toothless, while a whopping 41.3 percent of daily smokers over age 65 are toothless.

If you are a tobacco user remember the problems that occur with tobacco use, including oral cancer, bad breath, stained teeth, tooth loss, bone loss, loss of taste and smell, less success with periodontal treatment and dental implants, mouth sores and facial wrinkling.