Gum Disease, Heart Disease, Preganancy and Diabetes

Do you know that patients with gum (periodontal) disease have a higher incidence of stroke and heart disease? Certain reports also link gum disease to low birth weight babies and complications during pregnancey.

Diabetics have a higher incidence of gum disease,yet once that problem is treated it has a postive effect on lowering their blood sugar.

How does this happen?

An infection in your mouth can causes an elevation of C reative protein leading to not only plaque in your mouth but plaque in your arteries. Blocked arteries can decrease oxygen to the heart resulting in a heart attack. Plaques can dislogde resulting in strokes.

That same infection in your mouth can pass through the placental barrier during pregnancy.

Most adults should be having a routine dental cleaning every 6 months. Those adults prone to gum disease should be seen every 3-4 months for a cleaning. Ask your dentist if you need to see a gum specialist, a periodontist. If you have bleeding gums, loose teeth, or bad breath even find a periodontist on your own. It is not necessary to be referred by a general dentist.

For a healthier body, start with your mouth, gums and teeth.