What if we told you that the health of your mouth reflected your overall health and susceptibility to other disease conditions? Believe it, it’s true! Active infection, high plaque levels, and bone loss are signs of gum disease, and gum disease is linked with several systemic diseases including:
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Heart disease / Cardiovascular disease
- Stroke
- Erectile Dysfunction
- Premature labor / low birth weight infants
The way the condition influences your immune system may surprise you. When oral health is lacking, our body’s immune system targets the area of infection. Blood flow is increased (think of how your gums bleed when you don’t floss regularly) and then bacterial plaque can enter your blood supply. Patients that have suffered from heart attack and stroke have been found to have oral plaque bacteria lodged in the heart and cardiovascular system. In contrast, patients that suffer from these conditions are also more likely to have active gum disease.
Combating gum disease and managing your health conditions are the only way to decrease your risk of complications and help retain your teeth for years to come. Most of the time, our patients with active gum disease will need to have periodontal therapy to gain control over the condition before it can be managed at home. We work closely with each patient to come up with a care plan that assesses the needs of his or her smiles and helps them live a healthier lifestyle.
If bleeding gums, visible tartar buildup, or tooth mobility are problems for you, then there is more going on than you might think. Call us today so that we can help you gain control over your oral health and help you live healthier.