Routine Dental and Periodontal Gum Care
Why is routine dental care essential to our overall health? Protecting our gums and teeth does more than just maintain our oral hygiene. It also prevents the onset of heart disease, diabetes, and premature pregnancies. In the past five to ten years, dentists have found a correlation between the mouth and the rest of the body. Periodontitis (gum disease) causes inflammation in the mouth, which in turn makes the body more vulnerable to other complications.
Are pregnant women who have periodontitis more likely to deliver babies prematurely? Yes. Studies have shown that pregnant women who have periodontitis tend to deliver babies early because the gum inflammation effects the fetus development.
People who have periodontitis are also at higher risk for heart disease. Several studies have shown that gum disease is associated with heaRt disease. While a cause-and-effect relationship has not yet been proven, research has indicated that periodontal disease increases the risk of heart disease. Scientists believe that inflammation caused by periodontal disease may be responsible for the association. The inflammation not only affects the gums and blood vessels, but it also affects the body's ability to convert sugar into energy. When this happens, people can develop diabetes.
Luckily, periodonal disease can be preventable. By scheduling routine dental visits with our office, patients can reduce their chances of getting gum disease or other more serious chronic health problems.