Periodontal Disease: Mouth and Body

Periodontal Disease: Mouth and Body Connection

If your eye started to bleed, what would you do?  It seems obvious, but of course you would want to see your doctor right away.  Would you react the same if this were to happen in your mouth?   Under normal and healthy conditions your eye shouldn’t bleed, and neither should your mouth.  Bleeding gums can be a sign of periodontal disease (Gum disease). Did you know that 47.2% of American adults over 30 have gum disease?  That’s 64.7 million people!  It doesn’t get better with age.  When you look at adults over 65 the prevalence of periodontal disease increases to over 70%.  These are statistics published from the CDC in 2012, and from our experience things aren’t getting any better!

What is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease is an inflammatory disease that affects your gums, bone, and teeth.  Common signs are swollen red gums, bleeding gums, bad breath, tender gums, loose teeth, and receding gums.  The major problem is that the inflammation causes destruction to the gum and bone, and if it goes on long enough it can cause loss of teeth. In recent years scientists have linked this inflammation to other diseases including: diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and rheumatoid arthritis.  Research has shown that men with periodontal disease were 49% more likely to develop kidney cancer, 54% more likely to develop pancreatic cancer, and 30% more likely to develop blood cancers. Studies over the years have shown that periodontal disease can exacerbate heart conditions and even is a risk factor for strokes.  Periodontal disease can even increase blood sugar levels in someone with diabetes. The great news is that it’s all too easy to prevent periodontal disease and reduce these risk factors.  It all starts with regular check-ups and cleanings.  Team Apple Tree Dental in Rexburg Idaho is ready to help you.  You’ll find that not only is Sharlyn Johnston (our hygienist) caring, but gentle in her approach to keeping your gums and teeth healthy. If you have any questions about how important your mouth is in maintaining a healthy body, then please come see us.  Dr. Michael Larsen and Dr. Sky Sessions are here to help! 33 Winn Drive, Suite 2 Rexburg, ID   83440 208-359-1500 http://www.rexburgappletreedental.com/ Additional resources: https://www.perio.org/consumer/cdc-study.htm#OverlayWrapper/0/https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/periodontal_disease/index.htm