Periodontal (gum) disease is prevalent throughout the adult population in the United States and elsewhere. Untreated, it can lead to pain, swelling, abscesses and eventually tooth loss, and the loss of the supporting bone in the jaws. More people above the age of 35 lose a tooth from gum disease than they do from cavities or decay. Periodontal disease is the number-one cause of tooth loss. According to the 1996 American Dental Association/Colgate survey, U.S. dentists say gum disease is a more pressing oral health concern than tooth decay by a 2-to-1 margin It is not curable, and should the jawbone deteriorate there is little that can be done to reverse it. It is however, very treatable, both surgically and non-surgically.
What is less known, is the relationship between periodontal disease and other more serious diseases. There have been several studies done to explore the relationship between gum disease and other, more serious diseases. A study done is Sweden, among young, urban adults, indicated an increased risk of premature death from cancer, circulatory or digestive diseases(1). Similarly, a study done in the United States by Michaud et.al.(2) shows an increase in cancer risk in a large population of male health professionals with periodontal disease and jawbone loss. These findings indicated a significant association between periodontal disease and blood, kidney and pancreatic cancer. A third study found that severe gum disease could hasten death in people with diabetes. Researchers at the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) found that people with diabetes with periodontal disease had increased death rates due to cardiovascular disease and renal (kidney) failure, which are two major complications of type 2 diabetes. The findings underscore the need for good oral hygiene in people with diabetes, who are particularly prone to gum disease.
The evidence that periodontal disease causes the cancer is unproven and is in dispute. What is not disputed however, is the fact that there is a significant correlation between incidences of gum disease and certain types of cancer.
Similarly, there is a relationship between periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease. Studies have shown that a certain enzyme C-reactive peptide is elevated in both cardiac disease and periodontal disease. Similarly, there is a direct relationship between periodontal disease and Type II (adult onset) diabetes. In fact, at a recent lecture given by the prestigious Joslin Clinic for Diabetes, and attended by this author, it was stated that if the gum disease is treated, the diabetes improves, and if one treats the diabetes, the gum disease improves.
So what does this mean for the average dental patient?
First, it is important that regular, six-month checkups be a part of one's health regimen. Second, if the dentist detects periodontal disease during a routine examination, it must not be ignored. It is imperative that treatment of this situation begins as soon as is possible. While periodontal disease cannot be cured completely and the damage already done cannot be reversed, the deterioration that can result from the disease can be slowed or halted. Last, it is critical that the dentist and the physician communicate with one another in order to establish a common strategy in the treatment of these seemingly related diseases.
Gum disease is very common in the United States among adults. It is no longer something to be just observed. It must be treated in order to help prevent the possibility of it leading to other, more serious conditions.
1. Soder B, Jin L,Klinge B, Soder P. Periodontitis and premature death: a 16 year longitudinal study in a Swedish urban population. J.Periodontal Res 2007; 42;361-66
2. Michaud DS, Liu Y, Meyer M, Giovannucci E, Josipura K. Periodontal disease, tooth loss and cancer risk in male health professionals: a prospective cohort study. Lancet Oncol 2008; 9; 550-58
David N Grayson DDS
Dr. David N Grayson is a cosmetic and general dentist practicing in Parsippany, Morris County, New Jersey. In addition to treating periodontal disease, he also improves smiles to help people feel better about themselves and their appearance. Using relaxation dentistry, he enables anxious or frightened patients get the dental care they need.
In addition, Dr. Grayson uses clinical hypnosis to help people lose weight, stop smoking, and deal with certain harmful habits such as thumb sucking and nail biting.
To find out more about Dr Grayson and his practice, please visit his website at:
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