Periodontal (Gum) Disease

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, can present a very serious health risk to the sufferer, and yet it can often go undiagnosed, or underdiagnosed for many years. And hence, undertreated. Gum/periodontal disease is the most prevalent chronic inflammatory disease in humans. Gum diseases may involve pathogenic bacteria, candida, viruses and/or parasites. However, many individuals do not have a pathogenic cause; their disease may involve more of an autoimmune component (genetic), and may be characterized by toxic residual tartar or orthodontic cement beneath the gums.

We now know that routine maintenance cleanings and even deep cleanings (root scaling and planing) are completely inadequate for the removal of these toxins, allowing the chronic inflammatory disease process to ensue unchecked. Left untreated, chronic gum disease can damage the gum tissue and supporting bone and ligaments of the teeth. Symptoms may include bad breath, painful or swollen gums, bleeding, loose teeth, or receding gums. Often, there may be no symptoms at all and the disease may not be diagnosed until it is in the later stages. If advanced bone loss occurs the teeth may eventually fall out. Periodontal (gum) disease and subsequent tooth extractions by dentists is the leading cause of tooth loss.  More information about gum disease.

Unfortunately, solutions and traditional treatments for this hidden epidemic do not involve a holistic, medical model approach. Often, the main focus may be extractions and the placement of implants and crowns as a panacea. It makes sense that if the natural teeth have suffered severe chronic disease and bone loss, the implants too are at great risk of failing. This is not a long term solution and can be a very expensive and painful treatment plan. The research simply does not support extracting teeth and placing implants as a routine solutions for advanced gum disease. The literature demonstrates that treating advanced gum disease with a comprehensive approach is more effective long term.  "Are Dental Implants a Panacea or Should We Better Strive to Save Teeth", published in 2016 by a leading periodontal researcher.

Chronic or acute periodontal infection and inflammation often leads to tooth loss, but more importantly, it may lead to other serious overall health problems, including Heart Disease, Stroke, Pancreatic Cancer and Alzheimer's.  These links can be two fold.  Chronic inflammation in the mouth can involve pathogens, which can then travel to other sites in your body through the blood stream.  But even if your gum disease is not characterized by a high levels of bacterial and other pathogens, having a high "oral inflammatory load" can wreak havoc on your overall health.

A growing number of research studies, including a report by the U. S. Surgeon General, have found links between chronic periodontal disease and health problems such as diabetes, heart and lung disease, stroke, leaky gut, and even low birth weight babies. The link between cardiovascular disease (CVD) and periodontal disease seems particularly strong. It is now estimated that as much as half of all strokes and heart attacks may be caused by periodontal disease and other oral infections (hidden abscesses and/or undiagnosed and undertreated gum disease). Periodontal disease inflames the gums and allows byproducts from the bacterial infection and the pathogenic bacteria themselves to enter into the bloodstream. This in turn triggers the body to make proteins, such as C-reactive protein (CRP), in response to this inflammatory burden.  Several other cardiovascular disease markers may also be elevated, namely LpPla2.

Researchers have found that elevated levels of CRP are a marker for cardiovascular disease (CVD). The higher the CRP level, the greater the risk of heart attack or stroke. A simple blood test for CRP levels should be performed as routinely as cholesterol levels. Studies have shown that treating periodontal disease reduces the level of CRP in the bloodstream in individuals with high levels of CRP.

Gum (periodontal) disease can also elevate bad cholesterol (LDL), lower good cholesterol (HDL), elevate triglycerides, and contribute to higher glucose and blood pressure. In other words, gum disease contributes to a very serious condition called metabolic syndrome.

At PerioPeak we take gum disease very serious because we understand the risks. We treat periodontal/gum diseases utilizing a comprehensive medical model approach and we continue to educate ourselves in the Oral-Systemic links.

RPE - Regenerative Periodontal Endoscopy and the PerioPeak Method is a comprehensive and effective way to treat all stages of gum (periodontal) disease and the potential health risks associated with it.