Heart Disease and Periodontitis

Gingivitis

Periodontal disease and gingivitis are infections of the teeth and gums, as well as the bone that supports the teeth. If left untreated, these forms of gum disease can result in inflammation, periodontal abscess, severe bone loss and eventually dentures.

As destructive as this is, there is another, even more serious problem relating to gum disease, and that has to do with your general health.

Periodontal disease and gingivitis increase your risk of heart disease, diabetes, osteoporesis and stroke.

Click Here for a Free Report on steps you can take now to prevent gingivitis and other gum disease. Or call 1-888-573-0566 now.

Recent studies have show that individuals with severe gum disease are up to four times more likely to suffer from coronary heart disease, stroke, and other health problems such as osteoporosis, diabetes and respiratory disease.

Inflammation is involved.

In the February 23rd 2004 issue of Time magazine, the role of inflammation is graphically spelled out. The article concludes with several recommendations, including "...keeping your teeth clean by flossing and brushing regularly."

Obviously, regular dental check-ups and professional dental cleanings play a vital role in this. If your gums bleed when you brush or floss, you are at risk.

What can you do?

Start by doing a really careful job at home of brushing and flossing twice a day. Make sure that you eat a balanced diet, and that you get enough protein to repair the microscopic wounds that occur in the gums from chewing.

Don't smoke. Smokers have four-times more periodontal disease than their non-smoking counterparts.

And get regular professional cleanings - at least twice a year. If your gums still bleed with a twice-a-year protocol, have your teeth cleaned more often. Many patients come four times a year, and some even come every two months.

Want to learn more?

Visit www.perioheart.com, or contact our office to schedule an evaluation appointment. You may need a regular cleaning, or a deep cleaning with anesthesia (called root planing) to get the inflammation under control.

Dr. Burch

© 2005 John L. Burch DDS