Dr. DeForno's Q&A in "Connections Magazine"

Tooth Trends Article
April 2006

Dear Dr. DeForno,

I was reading an article about periodontal disease and it listed some very terrible things that can occur to someone, including death. Is it really true that infections in the mouth can cause someone’s death?

Yes. In some cases, periodontal disease can lead to death. Many patients do not understand the scope of this disease and what they need to do. Periodontal disease is an infection of the teeth, gums, and the bone that surrounds the teeth, and it is the leading cause of adult tooth loss. If you have periodontal disease, you may be experiencing persistent bad breath, bleeding of the gums when brushing or flossing, soft, swollen, or tender gums, gums pulling away from the teeth, or loose teeth. Most patients are not aware of the signs or symptoms of periodontal disease. To find periodontal disease, we perform a thorough examination with a periodontal probe and x-rays. Periodontal probing measures the depth of the space between your teeth and gums. When you have this disease, these spaces are called pockets. A probe reading more than three millimeters is a sign of periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is linked to low birth weight, respiratory infections and cardiovascular health. Researchers have discovered that if you have periodontal disease, you may have an increased risk of coronary artery disease, stroke and infective endocarditis. Bacteria associated with periodontal disease may cause inflammation in the arteries, which could lead to a buildup of fatty deposits and the formation of blood clots that can block your arteries and even trigger a heart attack.

Several years ago I examined an elderly patient, who suffered from periodontal disease. He needed periodontal and restorative treatment on his lower teeth as well as a new upper denture. The patient opted out of treatment on the lower and noted that his main focus was the upper denture. I expressed my concern for him at this point and explained the consequences of not treating his infections. However, this patient did not return to my office for additional treatment. Five years later this patient became weak and fatigued and was rushed to the hospital. His physician felt that he needed coronary bypass surgery and he was helicoptered to Johns Hopkins for treatment. When this patient was on the operating table, the surgeon was appalled to find that his heart had become so necrosed that it negated the ability to perform bypass surgery. The reason... periodontal disease. Unfortunately, this patient died. If this patient would have followed through with the proper treatment, his untimely death could have been prevented.

Past Dental Care Articles:

Chester County Life - Sept/Oct 2006

Dental Care Questions Article March 2006

Dental Care Questions Article December 2005