Treating Adult Periodontal Disease
Helping to Restore the Health of Your Teeth and Gums

Assessing Your Risk for Periodontal Disease

Certain factors increase your risk for periodontal disease. And having periodontal disease may increase your risk for other health problems. Answer the questions below. The more times you answer yes, the more important it may be for you to take care of your teeth and gums.

Your General Health

• Are you a current or former smoker?
• Do you have diabetes?
• Do you suffer from osteoporosis?
• Do you have a family history of gum disease?
• Does someone in your household have gum disease?
• Are you under a lot of stress?
• Do you take certain medications routinely, including steroids, blood pressure medications, or cancer-fighting medications?

The Link Between Periodontal Disease and Other Conditions

Research has shown that poor periodontal health can significantly increase the risk or severity of several other medical conditions, including:

• Diabetes. People with diabetes are more likely to develop periodontal disease. And having periodontal disease makes managing diabetes more difficult.
• Heart disease and stroke. Inflammatory effects from periodontal disease result in increased production and release of substances in your blood, such as C-reactive protein (CRP), which inflame arteries and promote blood clot formation.
• Premature or low birthweight babies. Women with untreated periodontal disease may be more likely to give birth to an underweight or preterm baby.
• Respiratory infections, such as pneumonia. Researchers believe that bacteria from periodontal disease can be inhaled, resulting in lung infections.