Health Issues as related to Gum Disease

This is not my usually type of article, however, I felt that it was important enough to write about this new research finding as it pertains to patient’s health. Essentially, the research shows that maintining periodontal health may contribute to a health respiratory system according to the reasearch published in the Journal of Periodontology.   This suggests that gum disease may increase the risk of respiratory infections such as COPD and pneumonia.  Why? These infections, which are casued when bacteria from the throat are inhaled into the lower respiratory system  can be debilitating and are among the leading causes of death in the US!! In overveiw, the study showed that patients with respiratory diseases  had worse peridontal health than the control gropu which suggest a relationship between lung disease and gum disease.  It is thought that the presence of oral pathogens  from gum disease may increase the risk of developing respiratory disease. Regardless, in our offfice, we examine all patients who come in for treatment ranging from cosmetic dentistry to TMJ treatment or dental implants for gum disease.  Not only is this to ensure our work will last a long time but also to help patients toward good overall health. If you have any questions regarding Houston Cosmetic Dentistry, Houston TMJ pain or Houston Dental Implants, please contact us at Ronald W. Konig DDS, FAGD, LVIF, 713-668-2289