Periodontal or gum disease is the number one cause of bad
breath and tooth loss. Most people know that. But did you
know that gum disease may also lead to far more serious
health problems? New research has shown that not taking
care of your gums can lead to an increased risk of getting
diabetes, heart disease, stroke, pancreatic cancer, and
respiratory disease. Pregnant women have an increased risk
of delivering a low birth weight baby. Men have to be even
more careful because they have an eleven percent greater
chance of having periodontal diseases then women do. Men
and women with periodontal disease have a 24 to 45 percent
higher risk of dying. Yes, dying; and if the possibility of
life threatening health problems isn’t enough, gum
disease also makes you look older.
But here is the good news; the first stage of gum disease,
called gingivitis, is preventable and reversible. What are
the early warning signs? Your gums may bleed when you brush
your teeth, they may be red, swollen or sensitive. You
might even have bad breath, loose or separating teeth.
Gingivitis and periodontal disease begin when plaque forms
on your teeth. Plaque is an invisible sticky film that
sticks to your teeth. Plaque is forming all the time. That
is why when you brush your teeth right before bed, you
still wake up with dry, smelly, morning mouth. Bacteria in
this layer of plaque produces poisons that irritate and
harm your gums.
Over time, the plaque on your teeth mixes with minerals in
your saliva and hardens to form calculus or tarter. Here is
where the real problem begins. As this rock hard calculus
forms on your teeth, it irritates your gums and could cause
them to recede (shrink away). The tissue that connects your
gums to your teeth breaks down and forms pockets or areas
where bacteria can hide. The bacteria multiply causing bad
breath and tooth decay. Over time, the infection in your
gums can lead to bone loss. Soon, there is not enough bone
to hold your teeth in your jaw. When this occurs,
perfectly healthy teeth will fall out.
Why suffer when gum disease is preventable? You need to
brush and floss your teeth and visit your dentist regularly
to have your calculus removed. Removing calculus from your
teeth can only be done by a dental hygienist or a dentist.
So, if it has been a while, schedule that dental cleaning
that you have been putting off. It just might save your
life!
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For more information, you may visit
http://www.bigsmiledental.com .
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