It is now becoming more and more apparent that there is a link between gum disease and general health.
Gum disease is the inflammatory response of the gums to dental plaque left in the mouth with poor oral hygiene. If the inflammation remains for a long period of time, there is emerging evidence to show that this can have a negative impact on various conditions of the body. One of the clearest links is with diabetes where it has been shown that controlling gum disease can have the same benefits as those gained with taking a second medication for diabetes. This startling discovery suggests that you can actually improve your diabetes by looking after your gums.
As well as this, there are strong links between gum disease and heart disease. The bacteria that are involved in causing inflammation in the gums may also be responsible for inflammation of the vessels involved in blood flow to the heart. Damage to these vessels leads to heart disease and can eventually lead to a heart-attack. This damage to the blood vessels also increases one’s risk of suffering from a stroke.
In addition to the link with these major health problems, gum disease also has local effects in the mouth including bad breath, infection, loose teeth and tooth loss. This has a major impact on one’s confidence, happiness and ability to eat food.
In summary, controlling gum disease is a very important part of one’s overall health, so it is important that you visit your dentist and hygienist regularly, and most importantly clean your teeth very well every day, twice a day with a toothbrush and in between the teeth with floss or interdental brushes.
Please speak to your Dentist or Hygienist for more information.
Categories: Dental