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Complications

By Mayo Clinic staff

The most obvious outcome of untreated periodontitis is:

  • Tooth loss

You might be surprised by some other complications associated with gum disease, including:

  • Coronary artery disease
  • Stroke
  • Low birth weight babies
  • Poorly controlled diabetes
  • Respiratory problems

Research suggests that the bacteria responsible for periodontitis can be inhaled or enter your bloodstream through your gum tissue, affecting your lungs, heart and other parts of your body. For instance, bacteria may travel to the arteries in your heart, where they can trigger a cycle of inflammation and arterial narrowing that contributes to heart attacks.

Preparing for your appointment Risk factors
References
  1. What is gum disease? Association of General Dentistry. http://www.knowyourteeth.com/infobites/abc/article/?abc=G&iid=324&aid=1251. Accessed Aug. 24, 2010.
  2. De Oliveira C, et al. Toothbrushing, inflammation and risk of cardiovascular disease: Results from Scottish Health Survey. British Medical Journal. 2010;340:2451. http://www.bmj.com/content/340/bmj.c2451.full.pdf. Accessed Aug. 23, 2010.
  3. Periodontal (gum) disease: Causes, symptoms and treatments. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/OralHealth/Topics/GumDiseases/PeriodontalGumDisease.htm. Accessed Aug. 24, 2010.
  4. Wilder RS, et al. Gingivitis and periodontitis in adults: Classification and dental treatment. http://www.uptodate.com. Accessed Aug. 27, 2010.
  5. How to keep a healthy smile for life. American Academy of Periodontology. http://www.perio.org/consumer/smileforlife.htm. Accessed Aug. 24, 2010.
  6. Gonsalves WC, et al. Common oral conditions in older persons. American Family Physician. 2008;78:845.
  7. Mouth-body connection. American Academy of Periodontology. http://www.perio.org/consumer/mbc.top2.htm. Accessed Aug. 23, 2010.
  8. Pocket depth reduction. American Academy of Periodontology. http://www.perio.org/consumer/pocket.htm. Accessed Aug. 24, 2010.
  9. Soft tissue grafts. American Academy of Periodontology. http://www.ada.org/2624.aspx. Accessed Aug 27, 2010.
  10. Cleaning your teeth and gums. American Dental Association. http://www.ada.org/2624.aspx. Accessed Aug. 27, 2010.
  11. Gum disease and diabetes. American Academy of Periodontology. http://www.perio.org/consumer/mbc.diabetes.htm. Accessed Aug. 31, 2010.
  12. Gum disease and respiratory diseases. American Academy of Periodontology. http://www.perio.org/consumer/mbc.respiratory.htm. Accessed Aug. 31, 2010.
  13. Esposito M, et al. Enamel matrix derivative (Emdogain) for periodontal tissue regeneration in intrabony defects. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2010:CD003875.
DS00369 Nov. 23, 2010

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