Periodontal Disease, or gum disease as it is more commonly known, is one of the most common diseases and is responsible for the majority of tooth loss in adults. This oral disease has received considerable attention in the past several decades and a new understanding of it is now emerging. The resulting information has led to a new way of thinking about the importance of the mouth in overall health.
It is now understood that a strong relationship exists between oral diseases and other diseases in the human body and this can no longer be ignored. Studies have shown a connect between periodontal disease and:
- cardiovascular disease
- diabetes and complications of diabetes
- adverse pregnancy outcomes (including low birth weight and premature birth)
- respiratory infection
- pulmonary disease
- rheumatoid arthritis
- renal disease
- cancer
- arthritis
- stroke
To keep your teeth and gums healthy, remember to brush and floss daily, to visit your dentist and dental hygienist at least every 6 months for regular active maintenance visits and periodical radiographs to check between your teeth and under old restorations for problems that cannot be readily identified.
