Treating Medical Conditions Linked to Gum Disease at Our Houston, TX, Office
Gum disease is, unfortunately, an extremely common problem here in the United States. However, you should never make the mistake of putting off treatment under the assumption that it will be confined to your gums alone. In fact, numerous medical conditions have been linked to gum disease. As the foremost periodontics experts in Houston, Texas, Dr. Friedberg & Associates can help you understand the risks of gum disease—and, of course, we can also provide top-caliber treatment for it.
Stages of Gum Disease
Fortunately, it is possible to reverse gingivitis (inflammation of the gums caused by plaque buildup). But once the disease affects the bone and fibers that hold your teeth in place and causes irreversible damage, it becomes periodontal disease. At this point, immediate treatment is needed to manage the condition and prevent the development of advanced periodontitis—which is when your teeth can shift around in the mouth and are at risk of falling out. And once you have periodontal disease, you are at risk for developing additional medical conditions that can affect other parts of the body.
Medical Conditions With Links to Periodontal Disease
We have definitive proof that certain medical conditions, such as gum recession and tooth and bone loss, are caused by gum disease. And research has found links between periodontal disease and a number of other conditions such as:
- Heart disease
- Ischemic stroke
- Respiratory disease
- Cancer of the head and neck
- Kidney disease
- Diabetes
Additionally, pregnant women with gum disease may face an increased risk of pre-term delivery.
Begin Your Gum Disease Treatment
With so many serious medical conditions linked to gum disease, it’s important to get on a rock-solid treatment plan as early as possible. Contact Dr. Friedberg & Associates today to schedule an appointment at our Houston, TX, office.
