Did you know that some low-grade health problems can stem from gum disease?  Chronic conditions, poor nutrition, oral hygiene habits and more can affect not only your overall health, but your oral health and vice versa. Find out how!

Health Problems that Are Linked with Gum Disease

Did you know that research has shown that certain serious conditions are linked to gum disease? “Besides what it does to the mouth, gum disease has been linked to conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and premature births or low birth weight. According to Sally Cram, DDS, PC, consumer advisor for the American Dental Association, emerging research pinpoints inflammation. “They’re finding the role of inflammation in the body is very critical to a lot of these different diseases,” Cram tells WebMD. “And that’s essentially what gum disease is: infection and inflammation in the oral cavity.”

“Research suggests a connection between periodontal health and systemic health. In light of these findings, understanding the relationships between periodontal disease and other systemic diseases in the adult U.S population is more crucial than ever,” said Paul Eke, MPH, PhD, epidemiologist at the CDC.

Taking time for your oral care is important for your whole body–not just your smile.

The Silent Disease

“A tooth lost to gum disease is a tooth lost forever,” says the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP).  “Three out of four Americans suffer from some form of gum disease – from mild cases of gingivitis, to the more severe form known as periodontitis. However, despite this prevalence, approximately only three percent seek treatment for their gum disease.” Why is this? Part of the issue is that gum disease is painless until it is in its more serious stages. Patients don’t realize that their teeth are in peril until irreversible damage has occurred.

Watch for the Signs of Trouble

It is imperative that patients stay clued into the health of their gums. Not just those pearly whites! The health of your gums really tells you the health of your mouth.  Do you have swollen, red or irritated gums? Do they bleed when you brush or floss? Are they sensitive to temperatures (hot and cold) or to sweets? If any of these apply to you, it is time to book an appointment with Dr. Bockrath.

Get Your Teeth Professionally Cleaned

You may practice exceptional oral care–you brush at least twice a day and floss–but that doesn’t allow you to get all the plaque off your teeth or between your teeth. Your 6-month, in-office cleanings allow for just that! Using our advanced dental cleaning tools, we can get all the that tough tartar off vital tooth enamel surfaces, protecting your teeth and your gums from decay and disease.

Tobacco use has also been shown to greatly increase your chance of developing gum disease. Stress (increased levels of cortisol, released when experiencing stress intensify the destruction of the gums and bone due to periodontal disease), poor diet, and genetics, can also play a role in the health of your gums.

Call for a Dental Health Consultation

Mountain Aire Dentistry offers comprehensive care for your dental needs in a relaxed and efficient atmosphere. We are conveniently located at 291 E Flatiron Crossing Dr in Broomfield, CO, 80021 with easy access from both Erie & Centennial. Our goal is to provide quality dental care for you and your family through the use of the latest equipment and the most current technology.