The Most Common Dangerous Disease to Mankind
What is this disease?
- 80% of the U.S. population will develop gum disease
- Without treatment gum disease worsens
- Insurance statistics identify that less than 5% receive treatment
Why is gum disease so important?
- Your risk for developing: heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes and other life threatening diseases increases
- Bacteria from the mouth are carried from the bloodstream to the body. This can infect the
heart’s arteries and increase your risk of having a heart attack.
- Heart attack victims have higher numbers of periodontal bacteria
- People with deep periodontal pockets are at increased risk for abnormal electrocardiograph (ECG) results
What are some of the signs of gum disease?
- Red, swollen or tender gums or other pain in your mouth
- Bleeding while brushing, flossing or eating hard foods
- Gums that are receding or pulling away from your teeth
- Loose or moving teeth
- Pus between your gums and teeth
- Sores in your mouth
- Bad breath
- A change in the way your teeth fit together as you bite
What are some risk factors for gum disease?
- Smoking
- Hormonal changes in girls/women
- Diabetes
- Many illnesses, especially autoimmune
- Medications (80% of medications prescribed cause dry mouth)
- Genetic susceptibility
What can I do to improve my oral health and ultimately my overall health?
- Regular oral hygiene care on a daily basis
- Regular comprehensive periodontal exams
- Regular visits to dentist as recommended for continuing care at 3, 4 or 6 months intervals
- Balanced nutrition
