Periodontal Disease and Wisdom Teeth

The following article appears at: http://www.healthcentral.com/ency/408/guides/000024.html

Wisdom teeth (third molars) are a major breeding ground for the bacteria that cause periodontal disease, according to research presented at the 2005 annual meeting of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. The research suggested that:

• Periodontal disease can occur both in impacted (buried) wisdom teeth and in wisdom teeth that have emerged normally from the gum.
• Periodontal disease may be present even if patients do not have any symptoms.
• For patients in their 20s, periodontal disease is most likely to occur around wisdom teeth.
• Teenagers and young adults with wisdom teeth should make sure that their dentist checks for signs of periodontal disease, especially before age 25.

Periodontal Disease and Pregnancy

• Pregnant women with periodontal disease are 4 to 5 times more likely to deliver a premature or low birth weight baby than pregnant women who do not have periodontal disease.
• Bacteria from tooth decay, as well as gum disease, can cause premature delivery and low birth weight babies.
• A women?s oral health can affect her baby?s health. It is very important for pregnant women to practice good oral hygiene and to visit a dentist regularly.

Periodontal Disease and Menopause

Postmenopausal women are especially vulnerable to tooth loss caused by periodontal disease. The estrogen deficiencies that occur after menopause can reduce bone mineral density. Periodontal disease further weakens the alveolar bone that holds the tooth in place. Treating periodontal disease can help prevent tooth loss.