Gum Disease and Men The Facts That Are Important to Know

Leading Periodontist Dr. M. George Ayad of Bergen County Shares His Knowledge On
Gum Disease and Men The Facts That Are Important to Know

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an infection of the gums surrounding your teeth that is found more often in men (56.4%) than women (38.4%). The difference may be due to a number of factors, including a higher incidence of dental plaque, tartar, and bleeding on probing for males. Periodontal health is not only important for your teeth and gums, it also has a profound impact on a variety of other health factors.
 
M. George Ayad, D.D.S, Ph.D., specializes in dental implants, regenerative and resective periodontal surgery, cosmetic periodontal surgery, gum tissue grafts, and laser periodontal surgery. Dr. Ayad expressed, “Educating my patients on the benefits of healthy gums is an important part of my practice philosophy.” Through education, Dr. Ayad supports overall health and prevents gum disease. Poor periodontal health puts males in greater risk of heart disease, impotence, an unhealthy prostate, and cancer.
 
Researchers believe that the connection between gum inflammation and cardiovascular inflammation may indicate that periodontal disease can actually increase your risk of cardiovascular disease. Due to the fact that men are more likely than women to develop heart disease, maintaining periodontal health is an important way to reduce this risk.
 
Another risk of increased inflammation is impotence, particularly for men younger than 30 and older than 70. The damage caused to blood vessel due to prolonged chronic inflammation may lead to impotence. Additionally, men with indicators of periodontal disease such as red, swollen or tender gums as well as prostatitis have higher levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA), an enzyme normally only secreted in very small amounts, than men with only one of the conditions. This demonstrates the potential association of poor prostate health to periodontal disease.
 
Aside from the dangers of increased inflammation, research has found that men with a history of gum disease are 14 percent more likely to develop cancer than men with healthy gums. Specifically, men with periodontal disease may be 49 percent more likely than women to develop kidney cancer, 54 percent more likely to develop pancreatic cancer, and 30 percent more likely to develop blood cancers.
 
However, the risks are not exclusive to men. Poor periodontal health may also be linked to osteoporosis and respiratory disease. Dr. Ayad wants men and women alike to know that early diagnosis is important for overall health beyond the teeth and gums, which is why it is important that every adult receive a comprehensive periodontal examination as part of their routine dental visits.
 
Periodontal and Implant Solutions, LLC is committed to offering clients high standards, education and prevention, uncompromising safety, and training and expertise that result in a positive experience. Dr. Ayad looks forward to serving patients at his new location.