Periodontitis - the second most common oral disease in the world - is an infection of the gums, which gradually destroys the support of your natural teeth. Adults over 35 lose more teeth to gum disease than from cavities. Three out of four adults are affected at some time
in their life. What's happening is that millions of microorganisms live in our mouths and while most of them are harmless, some cause tooth decay and oral infection that can then lead to really serious problems:
The link between periodontal disease and coronary
artery disease (heart attacks, strokes, really horrific stuff) is scary. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, people with periodontal disease are twice as likely to suffer heart attacks and strokes! Once oral bacteria (like plaque from your mouth) enters the blood stream, it attaches to fatty
plaques in the heart's blood vessels, eventually causing clot formation.
There's a strong relationship between low birth weight, premature deliveries (those occurring between thirty-seven weeks) and periodontal disease. The Journal of the American Dental Association concluded that oral bacteria and periodontal infection
in a mother's mouth can lead to fetal exposure; leading to a
fetal inflammatory response which can lead to preterm delivery. Studies
also show that when pregnant women with existing gum disease are
aggressively treated, their instance of pre-term and low-weight births
are significantly lowered. Since 12% of all pregnancies in the United States result in a premature birth, this finding has a major impact on mothers-to-be.
The rate of periodontal disease is so high in diabetics, that it's often referred to as “the sixth complication of
diabetes.” Diabetics are
more prone to infection and periodontal disease makes it more difficult for them to control their blood sugar. It's imperative that diabetics stay in close contact with their dentist.
The bone loss disease that is especially common in post-menopausal women is connected to oral hygiene. The loss of bone mass in the lower jaw can lead to the loss of teeth. The risk is even higher among women with gum infection, making brushing and flossing as crucial in the second half of our lives as it was in the first.
Two words: bacterial plaque. Plaque is a colorless film, which sticks to your teeth at the gum line. Plaque is constantly forming on your teeth. If not diligently removed by brushing, flossing and regular dental cleanings, it can produce toxins that irritate the gums, cause them to turn red, separate from the teeth causing pockets or spaces to form. As periodontal diseases progress, the supporting gum tissue and bone
that holds teeth in place deteriorate. If left untreated, this leads to
tooth loss.
The best way to prevent gum disease is effective daily brushing and flossing as well as regular professional examinations and cleanings. Unfortunately, even with the most diligent home dental care, people still can develop some form of periodontal disease. Once this disease starts, professional intervention at Mint is necessary to prevent its progress.
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