Periodontal disease, more commonly referred to simply as gum disease, is a common oral health condition that affects approximately 80 percent of adults in America today. Though most frequently associated with gum redness, sensitivity and bleeding, periodontal disease can actually lead to far more severe health complications. At Hampton Roads Center for Cosmetic Dentistry in Virginia Beach, VA, Dr. Carol F. Morgan treats patients with gum disease with specialized periodontal therapy, helping them maintain their dental health as well as their overall physical well-being.
Hidden Hazards of Gum Disease
Clinical research has shown that gum disease is the leading preventable cause of tooth loss in adults in the United States. Tooth loss comes along with its own set of undesirable effects, including deterioration of bone tissue in the jaw. When periodontal disease is left untreated, bacterial present along and beneath the gum line can spread rapidly throughout the blood stream. Some of the potentially life-threatening health complications that have been linked to gum disease include the following:
- Blood cancer and pancreatic cancer
- Rheumatoid arthritis in various joints
- Increased risk of heart attack and stroke
- Coronary artery disease
- Preterm birth (and resulting low birth weight) in pregnant women affected by gum disease
- Degeneration of brain tissue (possibly linked to Alzheimer’s disease)
- Poorly managed diabetes
While periodontal therapy cannot yet cure chronic gum disease, it can help keep the bacteria that cause it at bay for improved health. Dr. Morgan can explain the many benefits of this procedure during your consultation in our office.
Saving Your Teeth, Saving Your Life
If you or someone in your family is experiencing any of the common symptoms of periodontal disease, it’s not too late to seek treatment to reduce your chances of developing even more serious health problems. Contact our office in Virginia Beach, VA today and find out how periodontal therapy can help you reclaim your oral health. We also happily serve patients from throughout Suffolk, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth and the surrounding communities. Give us a call or visit our office to find out more. We look forward to seeing your smile!