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The following article was published in Your Health Magazine. Our mission is to empower people to live healthier.
Margaret Stubblefield, DDS, FAGD
Periodontal Disease Research
Gainesville Family Dental Center
. http://www.gainesvillefamilydentalcenter.com/

Periodontal Disease Research

Research has discovered that if you have periodontal disease, you may have increased risk of coronary heart disease, stroke and infective endocarditis (IE). Periodontal disease involves inflammation and infection that destroys the tissues that support the teeth, including the gums, the periodontal ligaments, and the tooth sockets resulting in red, swollen gums that bleed when brushing and flossing.

Even in the early stages of periodontal disease, gums can create an open doorway that allow harmful bacteria to enter your bloodstream. More advanced stages can be even worse. It can be compared to a nine square inch open wound around the tooth offering significant opportunity for harmful bacteria to enter your blood. ?

Research indicates that bacteria associated with periodontal disease may cause inflammation of the arteries. This can lead to the buildup of fatty deposits and formation of blood clots that can block arteries and even trigger a heart attack. These deposits may also build up in the carotid artery in your neck.

In serious cases, if these fat deposits break apart and are carried away in your blood stream, they can lodge in your brain, block blood vessels and cause a stroke. Additionally, some studies have shown that when plaque enters the infected gums one could develop a heart condition called infective endocarditis. This is a potentially fatal heart condition that inflames the sac around the heart, the valves of the heart and the heart muscle itself. As you can see, it can be vital to one’s overall and oral health to keep gums healthy.

If you are diabetic, you are at a greater risk of suffering from oral infection and diseases including periodontal disease. Diabetes contributes to periodontal disease by lowering resistance to infection, resulting in an increased sugar level and dry mouth.

Diabetes also lowers the body’s resistance to infection by causing blood vessels to thicken and become less elastic. This decreases the flow of white blood cells, oxygen and nutrients to the body’s tissue, and slows the removal of harmful wastes. This can weaken resistance to infections like periodontal disease.

Having poorly controlled diabetes means excess levels of glucose in blood and saliva. The harmful bacteria in your mouth is responsible for periodontal disease, which thrive on this sugar. Diabetics who do not successfully control their blood sugar levels also experience a decrease flow of saliva. Saliva is vital for helping to wash away the bacteria that causes periodontal disease and prevent cavities. Lack of saliva allows plaque, a sticky film of food and bacteria, to build up easily on teeth. This accumulation of plaque is the primary cause of periodontal disease.

To prevent the accumulation of plaque, floss and brush daily. Use a soft bristle brush. Your dentist may prescribe an antibiotic, medicated mouth rinses and recommend more frequent dental visits. With good dental and medical care, your gums and teeth could remain healthy and free of periodontal disease.

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