With growing medical research, it become important periodontal disease (gum) can contribute to, or worsen, heart disease and diabetes – serious health problems. Studies show that Gum disease may also lead to the birth of premature babies of low birth weight. The researchers believe that oral infections, such as periodontal disease, characterized by inflammation and bacterial infection of the gums, adversely affect other evils out of the mouth, as the disease allows the bacteria travel by the bloodstream to other parts the body.

“The Hispanic Americans are at high risk for heart disease and diabetes, and recent research suggests that periodontal disease may contribute negatively to those conditions. It’s important that people know that problems with oral health can affect the rest of the body, “says Dr. Gilbert Barajas, Periodontal Health Group of East Los Angeles, and member of the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP).

Researchers believe the bacteria of periodontal disease can affect a variety of ways to heart health, diabetes and the birth of premature babies with low weight:

Heart Health
The periodontal bacteria can enter the bloodstream and contribute to the formation of clots – the leading cause of coronary artery disease. The bacteria in the bloodstream can lead also to inflammation of the inner covering of the heart and heart valves, known as bad infective endocarditis.

Among Hispanic men, heart disease and stroke, represent approximately 27 percent of all deaths – more than cancer and AIDS combined. Similarly, heart disease and stroke account for 33 percent, roughly, of all deaths among Spanish-American women – more than cancer, diabetes, pneumonia and influenza combined.
 

Diabetes
Patients with diabetes are more likely to develop periodontal disease. Diabetics, in general, have a more compromised immune system. Moreover, if a diabetic patient has a periodontal infection, there is a greater chance that his diabetic condition worse. Approximately 20 percent of Hispanic Americans aged 65 and over have been diagnosed with diabetes. It is estimated that an additional six percent of the Hispanic American population has diabetes but has not yet been diagnosed.
 

Premature babies of low birth weight:
Pregnant women with periodontal disease suffer from an increase in the production of fluids that induce the work of delivery, leading to premature births of babies of low birth weight. This threat shows the importance of incorporating a periodontal evaluation standard prenatal care.

Approximately 26 percent of the Spanish-American did not receive prenatal care during the first quarter – the most critical period in fetal development, as it is when you develop all its major organs, legs and arms.
“The research shows clearly how important is paying attention to our oral health. It is vital that Hispanic Americans understand that periodontal disease is preventable and treatable. I would advise all performed oral examinations annually to rule out tooth decay, deterioration and the beginning of periodontal disease, “adds Dr. Barajas.

“The symptoms of gum disease in its early stages, are generally difficult to detect. Many people may have this wrong and not know it. Therefore, as indicated by this study, people have to be sure that your dentist or periodontist revise the gums on a regular basis, because the periodontal assessment can help protect health in general, “says Dr. Jack G. Caton, president of the AAP.

Periodontal disease is a common condition that affects the gums and supporting structures of teeth. The bacteria present in plaque irritate the gums and causes arising from the teeth, forming periodontal pockets. If left unattended, the bags can be deepened to destroy the gums, eventually, the bone.

A Hispanic Americans are advised to talk to their dentist or periodontist about the periodontal evaluation, and the preventative steps to maintain good oral health.