Recent research has revealed gum disease
may represent a far more serious threat to the health of millions of Americans
than previously realized. These studies found that periodontal (gum) infection
may contribute to the development of heart disease (the nation's number one
cause of death), increase the risk of premature, underweight births, and pose a
serious threat to people whose health is already compromised due to diabetes,
respiratory diseases and smokers.
Heart & Periodontal Disease
Because periodontal disease is a
bacterial infection, periodontal bacteria can enter the blood stream and travel
to major organs and begin new infections. The heart is one of the most
susceptible organs.
Heart disease (or cardiovascular disease)
affects more than 60 million Americans. It is the leading cause of death in the
United States. Yet many types of heart disease may be prevented. Taking care of
your periodontal health may be one important step toward prevention, along with
controlling the well-known risk factors for heart disease.
Click
here for more information on heart disease & periodontal disease from the
The American Academy of Periodontology.
Women & Gum Disease
As a woman, you need to take extra care
of yourself at specific times in your life. Times when you mature and change, for
example, puberty or menopause, and times when you have special health needs,
such as menstruation or pregnancy. Did you know that your oral health needs
change at these times too?
During these particular times, your body
experiences hormonal changes. These changes can affect many of the tissues in
your body, including your gums. Your gums can become sensitive, and at times
react strongly to the hormonal fluctuations. This may make you more susceptible
to gum disease.
Click here for
more information on women & oral health from the The American Academy of
Periodontology.
Diabetes & Gum Disease
People with diabetes are more likely to
have periodontal disease than people without diabetes, probably because
diabetics are more susceptible to contracting infections. In fact, periodontal
disease is often considered the sixth complication of diabetes. Those people who
don't have their diabetes under control are especially at risk.
Click
here for more information on diabetes & gum disease from the The American
Diabetes Association.
Respiratory & Periodontal Disease
Numerous respiratory diseases such as
pneumonia, bronchitis, emphysema and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are
often health problems for people who smoke, the elderly, or people who have
suppressed immune systems.
Infections of the mouth, including
periodontal disease, can also place you at increased risk for respiratory
disease. Current research is determining the mechanism for specific organisms
involved. If you are at risk for respiratory infection, then control of
periodontal disease can make a difference!
Click
here for study about respiratory & periodontal disease from the The American
Academy of Periodontology.
Tobacco & Gum Disease
As you probably already know, tobacco use
is linked with many serious illnesses such as cancer, lung disease and heart
disease, as well as numerous other health problems. What you may not know is
tobacco users also are at increased risk for periodontal disease.
In fact, recent studies have shown that
tobacco use may be one of the most significant risk factors in the development
and progression of periodontal disease. Whether you smoke, dip or chew tobacco,
you are more likely to have periodontal disease - and to have it more severely -
than those who do not use any form of tobacco.
Click
here for more information on the dangers of tobacco & gum disease from the
The American Academy of Periodontology.
|
