Researchers Find that Use of Anabolic Steroids May Increase The Risk of Developing Chicago Gum Disease
Steroids are substances that have similar properties to that of male hormones. Different variations of steroids are often abused by body builders and athletes to speed up the development of muscles and enhance athletic performance. Steroids used in this manner are illegal and can be very dangerous. Abuse of steroids exposes the individual to very serious side effects including acne, enlargement or shrinkage of some body parts, heart complications, liver disease, and can lead to uncontrollable, erratic, aggressive behavior. Recently, researchers have discovered that the abuse of anabolic androgenic steroids may be associated with gingival enlargement resulting in an increase in gingival index stores, or varying degrees of gingivitis, and could increase the chances of developing Chicago Gum Disease.
According to a recent article published in the Journal of Periodontology, abusing anabolic androgenic steroids for an extended period of time has been linked to the development of gingival enlargement. Gingival enlargement is characterized by gum tissue that swells to a level to where it will actually grow over the teeth. This overgrowth inhibits the risk of developing and accumulating plaque embedded with bacteria that over time will attack the oral bone and supporting structures of the teeth. If the oral bone is attacked by the bacteria for a prolonged period of time, the bone structures can become weak and the teeth may become loose and eventually fall out.
Periodontists typically treat gingival overgrowth with a procedure called a Gingivectomy. A gingevectomy involves removal of the excess gum tissue. While researchers know that gingival enlargement and inflammation was more prevalent in anabolic steroid abusers than non abusers, more research is needed to determine if the gingival enlargement will regress with discontinued use. Investigators are still seeking more information to conclude that gingival enlargement is a result of the steroid abuse as opposed to being a result of the side effects, including hormonal imbalance. In the past, changes in the gum tissue have been noted in parts of the human lifecycle where hormones are imbalanced, including menopause, puberty and the menstrual cycle. As more information becomes available, researchers will be able isolate the direct cause of the gingival enlargement to educate the public. At any rate, abuse of anabolic steroids is dangerous to your health and carries many side effects in addition to Chicago gum disease.
You should know your options regarding treatment and prevention of periodontal disease. Thanks to modern day technology, there is finally and alternative to old stitch and sew methods to treating gum disease. Dr. Michael Marcus is a highly trained general dentist, who treats gum disease with a laser instead of a scalpel for less discomfort and faster healing. Don’t delay your treatment any longer. To find out how you can get a perfect, healthy smile, contact Dr. Michael Marcus at (312) 263-6898 today.
