GUM DISEASE DOES MORE THAN ENDANGER YOUR TEETH AND GUMS.
The eyes are said to be the windows to the soul. Growing research suggests your mouth maybe a window to much of what happens to the rest of your body.
How exactly does the mouth reveal and even influence overall health and well being? First, the condition of the teeth, tongue, and lips can determine how we talk, how we eat, what we eat, and how we go about our daily lives. There may be children at school who cannot concentrate on what the teacher is talking about because they have a nagging toothache. Maybe someone at work is not functioning as well as they could for the same reason.
Sally Cram DDS, a spokeswoman for the American Dental Association cites research that links gum disease with heart disease, diabetes, lung problems, and premature and low birth weight babies. In bulimic patients, you can see acid wearing away the inner surfaces of their teeth. You can also pick up osteoporosis in dental x-rays.
What goes wrong in the mouth?
Many people worry about cavities, but periodontal disease can be a big problem for people with poor oral hygiene. Gum disease is an infection of the tissues supporting the teeth.When plaque develops, bacteria irritates the gums and causes them to swell. In the beginning the disease is called gingivitis and only affect the gums. In the more advanced stages, the disease is known as periodontitis. The bacteria goes under the gum line, eventually attacking the tissues and bone around the teeth. This can lead to tooth loss.
Nearly 75% of American adults have some form of periodontal disease. The symptoms of gum disease can be so mild that some people dont’t know the have it. Warning signs include:
- Gums that bleed easily
- Red,swollen, tender gums
- Gums that have pulled away from teeth
- Permanent teeth that are loose
- Persistent bad breath
- Any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
- Any change in the fit of partials dentures.
Most people want to keep their teeth for a lifetime, so if you have noticed any of these symptoms be sure to get them checked out.
