How Gum
Disease (Periodontitis) Affects Your Overall Health
Did you know
that the bacteria that causes gum disease can travel
to other parts of your body? It can cause illnesses
such as ulcers, hardening of the arteries, pneumonia,
and stroke. Studies show that 85% of heart attack
victims had gum disease. It has been associated with
certain cancers - gastric, pancreatic and oral. If
you have diabetes, gum disease can make it very difficult
to get your blood sugar under control. It has recently
been shown to be a risk factor in developing kidney
disease. For pregnant women, studies show gum disease
can lead to pre-mature birth and low birth weight.
For those who are HIV positive, a new study shows
it may cause HIV patients to quickly develop full
blown AIDS
Gum disease is an inflammatory
disease, just as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis,
inflammatory bowel disease, multiple sclerosis and
Crohn's disease are inflammatory diseases. Gum disease
can play a role in triggering other inflammatory diseases
to develop. Those with inflammatory diseases are four
times more likely to have gum disease.
Gum disease begins
when bacteria in plaque invade the gum tissue surrounding
the teeth. Once this bacterial invasion takes hold,
the gums can become puffy, bleed easily and gradually
lose their "grip" on the teeth they are
supposed to hold in. The same bacteria that cause
gum disease can come loose and move throughout the
body. They can enter the bloodstream, the stomach,
and the lungs. One of these bacteria, helicobacter
pylori, has been associated with ulcers, gastritis,
MALT lymphoma, duodenitis as well as gastric, pancreatic
and other cancers.
What Can
You Do?
Regular dental
checkups is the key. Only your dentist can clean the
plaque that contain these bacteria from your teeth.
Sometimes this plaque is below the gumline and your
dentist will need to do a deep cleaning, or scaling
and root planing. In between visits, make sure you
brush and floss everyday. Periodontal disease is not
curable. However, it can be controlled indefinitely
through treatment by a dental professional, excellent
home care, and regular follow-up.
For More
Information On The Link Between Gum Disease And Your
Health:
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