July 2010 Patient Page from the American Academy of Periodontology

I Had No Idea Periodontal Disease Is Linked to…

You may have seen stories in the gum disease are 14 percent more news about the connection likely to develop cancer than men between periodontal disease and with healthy gums. In fact, heart disease, stroke, and researchers discovered that men diabetes. However, those aren’t with periodontal disease are 49 the only health conditions that are percent more likely to develop related to periodontal disease. kidney cancer, 54 percent more Research has shown that having likely to develop pancreatic cancer, periodontal disease can put you at and 30 percent more likely to risk for a few surprising conditions develop blood cancers. including rheumatoid arthritis, certain cancers, and even kidney Kidney Disease disease. A study published in the Journal of Periodontology suggests that Rheumatoid Arthritis toothless adults may be more likely Are you at risk for Over 1.3 million Americans suffer to have chronic kidney disease periodontal disease? from rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a than adults with all of their teeth. chronic, inflammatory disease of Untreated periodontal disease can Your risk for periodontal disease the joints that can lead to long- lead to bone loss around teeth, may increase depending on: term joint damage. A study which can then cause teeth to • Your age published in the Journal of loosen and fall out. Periodontal • Gender Periodontology uncovered yet disease is a leading cause of tooth • Bleeding gums another potential side effect of RA; loss in adults. In the study, the researchers discovered that lack of teeth was found to be • Tobacco use patients with RA are eight times significantly associated with • Family history of gum disease more likely to have periodontal chronic kidney disease. The two disease than those without RA. diseases may be connected by To find out if you may be at risk, However, the research indicates chronic inflammation, as both are take the American Academy of that poor oral hygiene alone did considered inflammatory Periodontology’s risk assessment not account for the connection conditions. at http://perio.org/ between RA and gum disease, consumer/4a.html. The which means that other factors To help protect yourself from these assessment will let you know if play a role as well. Both RA and health conditions, including you are at low, moderate, or high gum disease are systemic periodontal disease, make sure to inflammatory disorders which may brush your teeth twice each day, risk for periodontal disease. Your explain the connection between floss at least once each day, and periodontist will be happy to the two. see a dental professional for discuss your results with you. cleanings twice each year. If Cancers periodontal disease develops, a Men are especially at risk for consultation with a dentist or developing certain cancers if they periodontist may lead to effective have periodontal disease. Research treatment. The key to a healthy published in The Lancet Oncology body may start with a healthy 754 South Main St., STE 7 found that men with a history of mouth! Saint George, UT 84770 (435) 652-1605 The American Academy of Periodontology Patient Page is a public service of the AAP and should not be used as a substitute for the care and advice of your personal periodontist. There may be www.gumexpert.com variations in treatment that your periodontist will recommend based on individual facts and cir- [email protected] cumstances. Visit perio.org to assess your risk and for more information on periodontal disease. AAP Patient Page July 2010