Most people think that periodontal disease just causes mouth
issues – bleeding, swelling, pain, and eventually tooth loss - and that isn’t
true. Periodontal disease affects your whole body. How else can it impact your
health?
Periodontal disease is inflammation in the gums, but that is
not all, it can also cause inflammation that impacts the heart. While a direct
link is difficult to establish between heart disease and periodontal disease,
research has found that individuals who have periodontal disease are more
likely to have heart disease.
Dr. Denine Rice warns patients, “Periodontal disease
increases the risk of nutritional deficits.” While the pockets around the teeth
begin to deepen, the gums pull away from the teeth. This can cause you to lose
teeth or have them break. Once the teeth are gone, it can make it very
difficult to consume certain foods, thus decreasing your overall health.
Periodontal disease can increase your risk of having a
stroke. A research study conducted by perio.org found that individuals who had
strokes were more likely to have had periodontal disease then a control group.
The good news is, that it can be taken care of with laser
surgery. The laser that is used is a fine-haired instrument that goes below the
gum line and cleans out the bacteria. Dr. Denine Rice says, “Laser surgery
helps clear out the bacteria, reducing swelling and bleeding – and best of all
there is no cutting, so also no sutures.” Remember, if you leave periodontal disease
alone, it can wreak havoc on your entire body, not just your mouth.
If your gums bleed when you brush or floss it is recommended
you visit the dentist or periodontist in order to get the problem take care of.
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