Gum Disease & Overall Health

Are you walking around with gum disease and don’t even know it?

The warning signs of gum disease often go unnoticed until the advanced stages, this is why millions of people don’t know they have this serious infection that can lead to tooth loss if not treated.

Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is an infection of the tissues and bone that support your teeth.

The number one cause of gum disease is poor dental hygiene.

When you neglect your teeth & gums – by not brushing daily for #2min2x a day or flossing – plaque will build up along the gum line, which leads to the first stage of gum disease, Gingivitis.

Gingivitis & Periodontitis

In the early stages of gum disease – also called gingivitis – bacteria in plaque build-up, causing the gums to become inflamed and even bleed during normal brushing. (Source: WebMd)

Although the gums may be irritated, the teeth are still firmly planted in their sockets. No irreversible bone or other tissue damage has occurred at this early stage.

When gingivitis goes untreated, it can advance to a more serious condition, called periodontitis, which could eventually lead to tooth loss, and worse.

So what are the gum disease warning signs to be on the lookout for?

Gum Disease Warning Signs & Symptoms

Gum disease is a serious condition, that can lead to other oral & overall health issues.

Here are the primary warning signs to look out for:

Chronic bad breath
• Red or swollen gums
• Tender or bleeding gums
• Pain when chewing
• Loose teeth
• Sensitivity
• Receding gums
• A change in your “bite” or malocclusion (how your teeth fit together when you bite down)
• A change in the way a partial denture fits

Check out these staggering gum disease facts & stats that will most certainly get you running to find the floss…

Gum Disease Facts & Stats

(Source: Perio.org/CDC)

• 85% of US adults suffer from some degree of gum disease, making it one of the most common diseases in America. (Source: Perio.org)
• Gum disease is more common than cancer, diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease.
• 60% of those infected know they have gum disease.
• Only 3% of adults with moderate to severe levels of gum disease will accept treatment.
• 1 out of every 2 American adults aged 30 and over has periodontal disease.
• Periodontal disease is higher in men than women (56.4 percent vs. 38.4 percent) and is highest in Mexican-Americans (66.7 percent) compared to other races.

When you don’t take care of your teeth & gums, you could be affecting a lot more than just your smile.

Although many more studies are needed to better understand any correlation or causation between gum disease and other systemic diseases, we can safely say that your oral health has a big impact on your overall health!

A Possible Connection Between Gum Disease & These Diseases:

• Diabetes
• Heart Disease
• Kidney Disease
• Stroke
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Prenatal Complications (premature or low birth-weight babies)
• Osteoporosis
• Psoriasis
• Alzheimer’s & Dementia
• Breast Cancer
• Respiratory Disease

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