Increased Risk of Kidney Disease with Periodontal Disease

    HOUSTON, TX, February 02, 2015 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Houston dentist, Dr. Behzad Nazari, has highlighted a recent study showing increased risk of kidney disease in patients suffering from periodontal disease. According to the study, which was performed at the University of California, San Francisco, patients suffering from periodontal disease had a much higher risk of chronic kidney disease compared to individuals with healthy gums. A variety of risk factors can increase the likelihood of gum disease, including heredity, sugar consumption, and smoking. By maintaining healthy gums, patients may reduce their risks of developing kidney problems in the future.

Vanessa Grubbs, MD, studied a group of 699 African American adults to determine the prevalence of chronic kidney disease, or CKD, and periodontal disease among them. Follow-up of the participants lasted an average of 4.8 years, during which Dr. Grubbs identified 21 new cases of CKD. This translated to 3 percent of the participants. After adjusting for other risk factors associated with CKD and gum disease, including age, diabetes, sex, smoking, socioeconomic status, and high blood pressure, Dr. Grubbs established a 4.2-fold increased risk of CKD among gum disease sufferers. As Dr. Grubbs noted, techniques aimed at reducing periodontal disease rates may help lower the incidence of CKD among high-risk groups.

Periodontal disease can have devastating effects on health in the mouth and throughout the body. Early symptoms include swelling, tenderness, and bleeding of the gums. Later, the disease can cause infections, tooth loosening, tooth loss, and jaw bone damage. Fortunately, timely treatment can often stop or even reverse the disease. Early gingivitis can be resolved with scaling and root planing or antimicrobial rinses. For advanced periodontitis, Dr. Nazari may recommend gum flap surgery or tissue grafting. Fluoride treatment, regular cleanings and dental sealants may provide increased protection from gum disease in susceptible individuals.

About Dr. Behzad Nazari, Expert in Dental Implants

Dr. Nazari has been treating area patients for 15 years. Originally a pharmacist, Dr. Nazari graduated with honors from the University of Texas at Houston Dental Branch in 1998. Today, Dr. Nazari offers a comprehensive list of dental procedures at his office, Antoine Dental, to patients seeking preventive, restorative, and cosmetic care for their teeth and gums. Dr. Nazari offers a wide range of dental treatments including braces, Invisalign, veneers and much more.

# # #