Periodontal disease is definitely earning itself a bad reputation. Not only has it been linked to high blood pressure, heart disease, dementia, and even impotence in men, and recently gum disease linked to kidney disease. Dr. Fondriest, explains the recent study linking periodontal disease and kidney disease.
Periodontal Disease Linked To Kidney Problems
Periodontal disease is an inflammatory disease of the gingival tissue. It is usually due to poor oral hygiene. When you don’t brush your teeth a sticky, transparent film develops. It consists of harmful oral bacteria that are feasting on the sugars, starches, and food debris in your mouth leftover from foods and beverages. If this plaque biofilm is not removed, it begins to irritate the gum tissue causing gingivitis. The symptoms of gingivitis include sore gums, inflammation and redness. Untreated gingivitis can develop into periodontitis, a severe form of gum disease that affects the connecting gum tissue and bone, and is the major reason for tooth loss.
Kidney Disease
A recent study of a cross section of races including 699 African Americans showed that periodontal disease can make people more prone to kidney disease. The study analyzed people with periodontal disease over a five year period to learn that people with severe gum disease, particularly African Americans, were 4.2 times more likely to develop chronic kidney disease (CKD). Over the period of the study, the African American group developed 21 new cases of CKD.
The good news is that, according to the study, the onset of CKD can be prevented in many cases if periodontal disease is properly treated.
Learn how gum disease linked to kidney disease
Aside from providing dependable general and restorative dentistry services to our community, Dr. James Fondriest also holds respected academic appointments at the Pankey Institute in Key Biscayne, FL, and the Spear Institute in Scottsdale, AZ, and he is an adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department of Prosthodontics at the University of Florida Dental School. At Lake Forest Dental Arts, Dr. Fondriest combines his impressive array of experience with modern technology and caring, compassionate, knowledgeable staff, and we proudly serve patients from Chicago and all surrounding communities. To schedule a consultation, call our office today at (847) 234-0517.