Gum Disease Linked to Heath Problems

Gum Disease Can Contribute to Serious Health Conditions

Recent medical research has found a startling connection between periodontal (gum) disease, stroke, and heart disease. Since heart disease can be fatal, that makes gum disease a more serious matter than previously understood. The American Dental Association estimates that as many as 8 out of 10 Americans have periodontal disease. If this were any other affliction, such as AIDS or tuberculosis, it would be considered an epidemic! Many dentists treat it as just that. They used to believe that gum disease would never be considered that way because "no one ever dies from it." The worst is that you lose your teeth. Not pleasant - but certainly not life threatening. But that's all changed. 

The American Academy of Periodontology reports that "Studies found periodontal infection may contribute to the development of heart disease, increase the risk of premature, underweight births, and pose a serious threat to people whose health is already compromised due to diabetes and respiratory diseases." Periodontal disease is characterized by bacterial infection of the gums. These bacteria can travel into the bloodstream - straight to the heart.

Smiles of Memorial  
Daniel Dernick, DDS  
909 Dairy Ashford Rd #113  
Houston, TX 77079  
(281) 493-0061 
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