Do you know that Periodontal disease may increase the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and dementia?
It’s true! We’ve been learning more and more over the decades as we gain a better understanding of how complex our health is that Periodontal disease (periodontitis) is a leading cause of tooth loss in adults. But the damage is not limited to the mouth alone. Gum disease has a huge impact on the rest of the body – and has been proven to be associated with an increased risk of serious degenerative diseases, including heart failure and dementia.
We have found that those with varying stages of periodontal disease are at a higher risk for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, pregnancy complications, dementia, and more. While the exact correlation isn’t precisely known, it is widely known that inflammation in general typically plays a key role in all of these conditions as the primary link.
Gum Disease Prevention
- Brushing and flossing are key. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day and always floss before bedtime. If you have bridges, implants, or wide spaces between your teeth, you can use special tools with small bristles to clear any trapped material.
- Give up smoking. We hate to lecture, but the link between cigarettes and gum disease is clear. Those that don’t smoke have 6-times less risk for developing gum disease and other periodontal issues.
- Diet plays an important role. A diet rich in fruit, vegetables, healthy oils, nuts, legumes, healthy proteins, and low in saturated fat is proven to suppress inflammation. These same foods are continually linked to lower levels of periodontal disease.
- Regular visits for cleanings with your dentist or dental hygienist can help keep bacteria-harboring plaque from being an issue and identify any initial stages of disease.
- And always treat any signs of gum disease quickly. These types of problems have a snowball effect and take more effort to treat the longer they have to take hold.
Our Role In Your Health
Southern Arizona Periodontics’ mission is to be that line of defense to save your natural teeth. We’re specialists when it comes to advanced treatments that your regular dentist may not be equipped for or knowledgable in. While we do a wide variety of services like Dental Implants, our primary focus is on maintaining the health of your natural teeth for your entire life. Nothing can truly replace our natural teeth, despite coming close with advanced implant technology.
If Gum Disease or other Periodontal issues are plaguing you, please give us a call today. We would love to work with you to help solve any issues you may have.
