Periodontal or gum disease is the number one cause of bad breath and tooth loss. Most people know that. But did you know that gum disease may also lead to far more serious health problems? New research has shown that not taking care of your gums can lead to an increased risk of getting diabetes, heart disease, stroke, pancreatic cancer, and respiratory disease. Pregnant women have an increased risk of delivering a low birth weight baby. Men have to be even more careful because they have an eleven percent greater chance of having periodontal diseases then women do. Men and women with periodontal disease have a 24 to 45 percent higher risk of dying. Yes, dying; and if the possibility of life threatening health problems isn’t enough, gum disease also makes you look older.
But here is the good news; the first stage of gum disease, called gingivitis, is preventable and reversible. What are the early warning signs? Your gums may bleed when you brush your teeth, they may be red, swollen or sensitive. You might even have bad breath, loose or separating teeth.
Gingivitis and periodontal disease begin when plaque forms on your teeth. Plaque is an invisible sticky film that sticks to your teeth. Plaque is forming all the time. That is why when you brush your teeth right before bed, you still wake up with dry, smelly, morning mouth. Bacteria in this layer of plaque produces poisons that irritate and harm your gums.
Over time, the plaque on your teeth mixes with minerals in your saliva and hardens to form calculus or tarter. Here is where the real problem begins. As this rock hard calculus forms on your teeth, it irritates your gums and could cause them to recede (shrink away). The tissue that connects your gums to your teeth breaks down and forms pockets or areas where bacteria can hide. The bacteria multiply causing bad breath and tooth decay. Over time, the infection in your gums can lead to bone loss. Soon, there is not enough bone to hold your teeth in your jaw. When this occurs, perfectly healthy teeth will fall out.
Why suffer when gum disease is preventable? You need to brush and floss your teeth and visit your dentist regularly to have your calculus removed. Removing calculus from your teeth can only be done by a dental hygienist or a dentist. So, if it has been a while, schedule that dental cleaning that you have been putting off. It just might save your life!
