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Is Gum Disease Secretly Killing You?

January 25, 2011

First, take a peek at this short video:

Whoopi Goldberg talks about gum disease

I hate to ask this but……When was your last visit to the dentist?

This is an important question and we can tend to overlook our dental health because it seems as if there is always something else that gets our attention.    Here are some little pieces of info that may be interesting enough to get you into the dental chair.

Studies have been conducted by many organizations regarding the mouth/body connection and “wow”…..the results have been astonishing.  I am convinced that periodontal disease (gum disease) is one of the deadliest conditions and also the one that can often go unnoticed.

Periodontal Disease has been linked to:

  • Heart Disease and Stroke
  • Diabetes
  • Respiratory Diseases
  • Pancreatic Cancer
  • Pregnancy Problems
  • Ulcers
  • Alzheimer’s Disease

Scary, isn’t it?   Do any of the symptoms below seem to hit home for you?

  • Red, swollen or tender gums or other pain in your mouth
  • Bleeding while brushing, flossing, or eating hard food
  • Gums that are receding or pulling away from the teeth, causing the teeth to look longer than before
  • Loose or separating teeth
  • Pus between your gums and teeth
  • Sores in your mouth
  • Persistent bad breath
  • A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
  • A change in the fit of partial dentures

There is also a quick and fantastic little survey that the American Academy of Periodontology has to help you determine your level of risk for gum disease.  You just have to click “Take the risk assessment test now” after you go to this page: https://www.perio.org/consumer/gum-disease-symptoms.htm#

Gum Disease can be a silent killer, please don’t let it sneak up on you.  We have seen it too many times to count where patients are experincing tooth loss and had no idea what the infection in their mouth was eroding the bone and compromising their overall health.

Dr. Mindy Salzberg-Siegel and our skilled dental hygienists are here to help!

Is it already too late for you?

References:

http://www.upi.com/Health_News/2010/08/05/Gum-disease-may-be-linked-to-Alzheimers/UPI-94781280987125/

http://www.perio.org

http://www.personaldentalcareinfo.com/dental-care-periodontal-disease-the-silent-dental-killer/