San Diego Dentist

Gum disease or chronic Periodontitis is a bacterial infection.  The gum pockets populated with the bacteria grow in numbers and penetrate through the gum pockets into the bony support of the teeth leading to teeth loss.  If gum disease is left untreated, it not only causes bone loss with eventual teeth loss, but can also affect your overall health.  One of the most important risk factors today, as evidenced by many research studies is the direct correlation between  gum disease and heart problem.  Due to the bacterial nature of gum disease and accumulation of millions of dangerous bacterial species inside the infected gum pockets of affected patients initiates an inflammatory response at these sites.  This is body's natural reaction to fight any bacterial challenge in our body.  However, this can lead to leakage of bacteria into the bloodstream causing systemic involvement of one or more organs of our body, including our heart.  Scientists have found people with gum disease are twice at risk for cardiovascular diseases than those without gum disease.  

Several scientific studies published have successfully found a positive link between gum disease and other systemic conditions,  such as respiratory diseases, diabetes and premature births.  More research studies are needed to provide more insights as to this relationship and to provide more precise treatment guidelines for both medical and dental professionals for proper diagnosis, prevention and treatment.

Perio-Heart Connection Dentist in San Diego

At our San Diego Advanced Dentistry office at Scripps Medical Center, Dr Mirkhan specializes in the prevention and treatment of gum disease and is an advocate in educating patients about perio-heart connection and new treatment guidelines. 

Contact a San Diego Dentist at our office today at 858-337-6264 to schedule your appointment for healthy gums and a healthy heart.