Research Indicates Steroid Abuse May Contribute to Developing Bay Area Gum Disease

Bay Area Periodntist uses a laser and reports that a study Finds That Steroid Abuse May be Linked to Enlargement of the Gums.

Anabolic Steroids are synthetic hormones that are prescribed by doctors to treat an array of health complications including anemia, breast cancer, increase weight gain due to illness, and osteoporosis. While steroids have a valid use in the medical community as a sought after treatment, they are also often abused by body builders and athletes to enhance muscle development and athletic performance. Abuse of steroids can have many side effects and life threatening results. More recently, researchers have also linked steroid abuse to gingival enlargement, which could increase the risk of developing Bay Area gum disease.

According to a recent study published in the Journal of Periodontology, steroid abuse has been linked to enlargement of the gum tissue and an increase in gingival inflammation. Gingival overgrowth occurs when the gums become swollen and grow over the teeth. The enlargement of the gums makes it prone to bacteria development and provides a place for bacteria to accumulate. Eventually, the bacteria will begin to attack the teeth and supporting bone structures, leaving patients more susceptible to developing periodontal disease which could result in tooth decay and loss.
While more research is needed to determine if the gingival enlargement is a direct result of the steroid abuse, researchers do know that the steroid abusers studied had a higher rate of gingival inflammation and enlargement than non steroid abusers. Researchers hope to isolate the steroid abuse in future studies, so they can rule out the gingival inflammation occurring as a result of poor oral hygiene or other environmental factors.

Gingival enlargement has been known to occur in other patients as a result of a hormonal change in the body. Hormonal changes occur during different life cycles of individuals, including puberty, menopause and the menstrual cycle. Regardless of the finalized research becoming available, patients should know that steroids are dangerous and have an array of side effects that could result in poor health and even life threatening consequences. Researchers still do not know if the gingival enlargement would regress with discontinued use, nor is it confirmed that other side effects would dissolve as a result of discontinuing the abuse of steroids. Gingival inflammation if left untreated could lead to an increased risk of developing Bay Area 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. Lim is a highly trained periodontist, 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. Lim at (650) 327-0625 today.


For people who need to treat Chicago Gum disease or who need a chicago Gum dentist, contact Dr. Marcus. He also uses a lsser to treat gum disease.

Long Island Periodontist David Scharf is the premier periodontist on Long Island to offer laser gum disease treatment.