Who Knew? The Heart-Mouth Connection
August 30, 2010
Did you know that an estimated 80 percent of Americans currently have some form of periodontal disease? (that’s the fancy word for gum disease). Gum disease is a threat to your oral health and can seriously affect your overall health. It can also prevent us from treating you as rapidly and effectively as possible.
Symptoms of peridontal disease may include the following:
*redness or bleeding of gums while brushing teeth or using dental floss
*bad breath
*gum recession
*”pockets” between the teeth and gums
Gum inflammation and bone destruction are largely painless. Hence, people may wrongly assume that painless bleeding after teeth cleaning is insignificant, although this may be a symptom of progressing gum disease. In recent years, gum disease has been linked to a number of health problems. Researchers are studying possible connections between gum disease and:
Heart disease, Stroke, Diabetes and Premature Births
The good news is that periodontal “gum” disease can be controled and is largely done by you!! See your dentist every six months for a cleaning and checkup. (Regular professional cleanings and checkups make you feel good, look good and could be a lifesaver!) Brush and floss daily. Use an anti-bacterial mouthwash. (Daily use of an anti-bacterial mouthwash helps to disinfect the teeth and gums, and reduces the number of bacteria). These steps are even more important during your orthodontic treatment and can greatly improve your results and can even shorten treatment time!!
We are happy to answer any “oral health” questions and provide you with helpful hints and tools to make it as easy as possible for you to care for your teeth and gums. Here’s to a lifetime of radiant smiles, and healthy hearts!!!!
