When most of us think about periodontal disease, we imagine things like redness, swelling, bleeding after brushing and even tooth loss, but that’s usually where it stops. Unfortunately, gum disease has been linked with a variety of other, potentially more serious health problems that many people don’t associate with oral health at all. At Boston Smile Center in Brookline, MA, Dr. Alan Sasson treats gum disease with Laser Periodontal Therapy™ to keep his patients healthy and feeling great, for both now and the future.

Hidden Dangers of Gum Disease

When periodontal disease is left untreated for an extended period of time, the bacteria that causes the infection itself can spread from the mouth to the bloodstream. It travels throughout the body, adversely affecting a number of other tissues and organs. Some of the health complications linked to poor oral health include the following:

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Stomach ulcers and other gastrointestinal problems
• Low birth weight and preterm birth in infants of mothers with periodontal disease
• High blood pressure
• Pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the lungs)
• Increased risk of diabetes complications
• Coronary artery disease
• Higher risk of heart attack and stroke

Fortunately for individuals suffering from gum disease, the Laser Periodontal Therapy™ procedure performed at Boston Smile Center effectively treats gum infection and can thereby help lower your risk of developing these conditions.

If you or someone in your family has experienced any of the common symptoms of gum disease – including redness along the gum line, bleeding, gum recession or sensitivity – now is the time to take control of your health and contact Dr. Sasson for help. At our office in Brookline, MA, Dr. Sasson happily welcomes patients from Cambridge, Boston, Newton, Chelsea, Somerville and beyond.