Periodontal disease is a chronic bacterial infection that involves the gums and bones that support the teeth, according to the website Perio.org. This type of gum disease may include one tooth or multiple teeth and it can lead to tooth loss, if left untreated. Periodontal disease usually occurs when the bacteria in plaque--the sticky colorless film that surrounds the teeth irritates--inflames and destroys the gums. Complications can range from bad breath to the development of a variety of medical conditions.
Heart Disease
A serious complication of periodontal disease is heart disease. People with periodontal disease are almost twice as likely to develop coronary artery disease then those without a history of gum disease, according to the website Perio.org. Heart disease or coronary artery disease develops when oral bacteria enters the bloodstream, attaches to fatty plaques in the heart and forms blood clots that block normal blood flow, oxygen and the nutrients needed for proper heart function. Another possibility, according to Perio.org is that the inflammation caused by periodontal disease increases plaque buildup, which may contribute to swelling of the arteries.
Respiratory Diseases
People who have periodontal disease are at risk for developing respiratory diseases, according to the website MyOptimumHealth.com. Periodontal disease may trigger or exasperate respiratory diseases such as emphysema when harmful bacteria enters the mouth and accumulates in the airways of the throat preventing air from properly flowing in and out of the lungs.
Strokes
Periodontal disease is linked to an increased risk of strokes, according the website Science Daily. Strokes can occur when an artery leading to the brain is blocked as a result of a bacterial infection. Strokes typically occur when blood clots prevent oxygen from reaching various parts of the brain. According to Nebraska's Family Gentle Dental Care, the risk for strokes is 2.8 times greater for individuals with gum disease than those without periodontal disease.
Halitosis
A common complication of periodontal disease is halitosis or bad breath, according to the website, Healthwise. Approximately 90 percent of halitosis cases originate from sources in the mouth such as poor oral hygiene, periodontal disease, the coating on the tongue, impacted food, faulty dental restorations and/or throat infections. Bad breath can occur when bacteria creates a combination of sulfur gases that coat the tongue and create an unpleasant odor. People at risk for halitosis are those who tend to get food stuck within the pockets around the teeth and those who have diminished saliva flow.
