Overall Health starts in the mouth.
85% of the adult population is affected by Periodontal or gum disease There are trillions of bacteria in your mouth that colonize and form plaque that sticks to your teeth.
These colonies release toxic compounds that cause gum inflammation and loss of bone that supports the teeth.
Within a few hours of brushing a soft film of plaque begins to coat the surface of teeth. At first the plaque is easily removed and you can scrape it off without much effort using a toothbrush. Within a day however, plaque begins to absorb hardening minerals from saliva. And in a couple of weeks it turns into cement-like calcified tarter that can only be removed with a dental tool. It collects on and between teeth and in the gum pockets.
A recent study presented at the America Heart Association stated that people who receive at least 2 cleanings a year reduce their risk of heart attached by 25% over those that don’t.
These inflammatory chemicals and leakage of bacteria into the blood stream directly and indirectly injure the blood vessels and organs.
Symptoms of Periodontal Disease:
• Red, swollen or receding gums
• Painful or tender gums
• Bleeding gums
• Loose teeth
• Unexplained bad breath
Although bleeding while brushing, flossing or eating is a chief symptom of Periodontal Disease, symptoms may be absent.
Chronic Periodontal Disease has been linked to:
• Heat Attack
• Hypertension
• Diabetes
• Low Birth weight in babies & Premature Births
• Failure of prosthetic joints (artificial hips, knees, etc.)
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Some Cancers
Some Facts:
C – Reactive Protein (a predictor for risk of Heart Attack) is higher in individuals with Periodontal Disease
Inflammation causes resistance to Insulin & may lead to Type II Diabetes
Women with Periodontal Disease are 7 times more likely to have premature births and low weight babies
Disease states range from gingivitis (inflamed gums) to advanced periodontitis (severe bone loss)
See you dentist before you have any surgery
-especially joint replacement surgery
Prevention:
-See you Dentist/Hygienist regularly every 3-6 months
-Brush & floss daily
