Periodontal Disease Underestimated by 50%

Periodontal disease may have been underestimated by as much as 50 percent according to research published in the Journal of Dental Research for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and American Academy of Periodontology (AAP).

More and more research indicates that the health of gums affects the whole body. In an interview with Paul Eke, MPH, PhD, epidemiologist at the CDC and lead author of the study raised concern over the implication this has on public health. Eke says, “Research suggests a connection between periodontal health and systemic health. In light of these findings, understanding the relationships between periodontal disease and other systemic diseases in the adult U.S. population is more crucial than ever.”

The chronic inflammation causes more than decay and bad breath; it weakens the immune system and can increase the risk of diabetes, heart attacks, rheumatism, and lung diseases.

One way to help combat this alarming statistic is to arm patients with the educational tools that help them understand the serious health problem periodontal disease is and assist them in recognizing the warning signs.

One such tool is to provide your patients with the risk assessment test where patients can see if they are at risk for developing the disease.

Another effective tool is the video below, which shows the actual progression of periodontal disease so that patients have a clear, visual picture of what can happen if left untreated.

Education is the key in closing the gap on untreated periodontal disease.

Together we can make a dent. If any of your patients are experiencing signs of periodontal disease, have them contact our office for a consultation for our LANAP services that involves less pain, less bleeding, less swelling, less tissue removal, less down time, and less recovery.