We know that gum disease can be bad for your smile and the overall health of your mouth. Did you know though that gum disease can also have adverse effects on other parts of your body? Gum disease has been shown to lead to heart disease, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and dementia. Let’s take a deeper look at the connection between gum disease and these other issues from your dentist in North Lauderdale.
Plaque constantly forms on your teeth from pretty much everything you eat and drink. Brushing and flossing regularly helps keep the plaque from building up and hardening on your teeth. If the plaque builds up and hardens enough it can eventually start affecting your gums and ultimately causing gum disease.
While experts haven’t been able to conclusively put their fingers on the linking factor, it is believed that oral bacteria can escape into the bloodstream and injure major organs. Inflammation is also a major factor. Inflammation of the gums caused by gum disease may increase inflammation throughout the body, especially with heart disease and rheumatoid arthritis.Studies over the years have shown that people with gum disease are more likely to have heart disease or even a heart attack. Diabetes is also found more frequently in people that suffer from gum disease.
Another way to prevent gum disease is with regular dental checkups and cleanings. When you are ready for your next dental cleaning, contact us.
