Gum Disease Affects Your Entire Lifestyle…

… and LIFE!Â

Regular tooth cleanings with periodontal therapy just might prolong your life, according to the latest research by dental experts. Â

As strange as it may sound, an infection in your gums can travel through your body to other organs, such as your heart, digestive system, and lungs. This is why it's more important than ever to go for regular dental check-ups and ensure that your periodontal health is constantly managed.

Periodontal disease and poor oral hygiene may be indicators of premature death, according to Dr. Michael F. Roizen in his classic book Real Age: Are You as Young as You Can Be?Â

That's because gum disease has been linked to heart disease, diabetes, respiratory disease, digestive problems, osteoporosis, and immune problems. Young men who had a maximum oral hygiene index of 6 (0 indicating ideal oral hygiene and 6 poor oral hygiene) had a three to four times higher risk of dying sooner than those who had a hygiene index of 0. In addition, young men with periodontitis had a nearly three fold increased risk of dying from coronary heart disease.Â

The word periodontal means "around the tooth." Periodontal disease is a chronic bacterial infection that affects the gums and bone supporting the teeth. Periodontal disease can affect one tooth or many teeth. It begins when the bacteria in plaque (the sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth) causes the gums to become inflamed.Â

It's Not Just Your Teeth You're Saving--

It's Your Life.Â

Worldwide, periodontal disease may affect as many as three of four people, but only about 15 percent get treated. That spells trouble for the heart and other parts of the body. Gum disease creates a higher risk for heart disease, heart attacks and strokes. In one study, men with extensive gum disease were more than four times as likely to develop heart disease (the nation's leading cause of death) than men with healthy gums. Another study involving Arizona's Pima Indians, who rarely smoke, showed those with gum disease were more than twice as likely to suffer a heart attack than those whose gums were healthy.Â

Periodontal disease is the most common chronic infectious disease in the world, more common than the cold. Population surveys and studies done in the United States indicate that more than 50 percent of adults have gingivitis and 30 percent have periodontitis, according to the American Academy of Periodontology. The problem increases with age.Â

The bottom line is that periodontal disease may be far more serious threat to your health than previously realized. To prolong your life, take action now to protect your gums. See a dentist.Â

Tooth Loss Affects Digestive DisordersÂ

Tooth loss is the result of an advanced state of periodontal disease, in which the gums become so infected they cannot hold the teeth any longer. When teeth fall out, it is more difficult to eat, and people without teeth--even those who wear dentures--are the most vulnerable to digestive and other related problems.Â

Research indicates that changes in food preferences and subsequent nutrient deficiencies are associated with tooth loss. Even those with dentures do not always obtain the necessary nutrients. One study of denture-wearers found that their chewing efficiency was about one-sixth that of a person with natural teeth. Poor chewing has been associated with a decrease in vitamin A and fiber intake and an increase in cholesterol, saturated fat and calories, ingredients that increase the risks of cancer and heart disease. This study concluded that most of the patients with dentures showed a low chewing performance classification. They also took more medication for gastrointestinal disorders than those with a higher chewing performance.Â

One way to prevent this escalation of problems is to have your teeth cleaned regularly. Periodontal therapy will eliminate any infections in the gums, which will help you keep your teeth for life. This, in turn, will help you eat better, look better, feel better, and live longer.Â

Periodontal Disease Stresses Immune SystemÂ

Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums that not only affects your oral health, but also your overall health. The periodontal pocket acts as a reservoir for numerous toxic bacteria, which can create an added stress to the immune system. Â

Gum infections can have a devastating effect on the immune system because it involves the gums and underlying bone. The immune system can become so compromised that its ability to resist additional infections and toxins could be diminished. A weakened immune system puts the various body systems at risk, creating a domino effect.Â

Gum disease has been found to increase the risk of heart attack by as much as 25 percent, and the risk of stroke by a factor of 10. Gum disease can worsen respiratory diseases, such as pneumonia, bronchitis, emphysema, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.Â

In fact, if you are suffering from any other infectious diseases, you cannot afford to let gum disease go untreated. Gum disease is a serious health issue that should be treated as quickly as possible.Â

Periodontal Disease Negatively Affects DiabetesÂ

Numerous studies indicate that the presence and severity of periodontal disease can increase the risk of poor blood sugar control in diabetics. One study that compared diabetic patients with minimal and severe periodontal disease found that those with the more severe periodontal disease had a significantly greater number of cardiovascular complications, including stroke, angina, and heart failure.Â

Another study found that the treatment of periodontal disease in diabetics might actually improve the diabetics' ability to control diabetes. Although there are no known definitive reasons why periodontitis impacts blood sugar control in diabetics, a few theories have been created. Acute bacterial and viral infections control an increase in the body's resistance to insulin, which aggravates blood sugar control. In diabetics, further infection exacerbates insulin resistance and significant worsens its ability to regular blood sugar.Â

Periodontal disease and diabetes have a complex interaction. Anyone with diabetes, regardless of the severity, should have a thorough oral health examination. If gum disease is found, every effort should be made to eliminate it.Â

No Bones About It: Gum Disease Increases Risk of OsteoporosisÂ

Researchers at the University of Buffalo and the University of New York at Buffalo found that most people diagnosed with periodontal disease were at a higher risk of underlying osteoporosis. Published in the Journal of Periodontology, the study involved more than 2,500 postmenopausal women. It found that women with low bone density, or osteoporosis, were at an 86 percent risk of having gum disease, the major cause of tooth loss in those older than 35 years.Â

Researchers also discovered a very strong relationship between the advanced form of gum disease that causes bone loss, gum-attachment loss, tooth loss, and osteoporosis. It is believed that eliminating gum disease may also help combat osteoporosis, which affects more than 20 million people in the United States, accounting for nearly 2 million fractures a year.Â

Once again, the link between gum disease and overall health cannot be overemphasized. Maintain a regular schedule of dental cleanings with your dentist, and be constantly vigilant against gum disease. It could save your life.Â

We hope that this information will change your mind about the importance of seeing your dentist for a hygiene appointment.

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