subject: Periodontal Disease – Your Gums Could Be Making You Sick [print this page] Periodontal Disease Your Gums Could Be Making You Sick
Very few people ever think about their gums. They seem like such an insignificant part of your body that you only consider their presence when you brush or floss your teeth or during a dental exam. And even if you develop periodontal disease, you may not notice that they are infected at least not until the issue has progressed to a critical point. But those insignificant gums have been in the news a lot lately and they are seeming more and more important to your overall health. And when you consider that an estimated 200 million American have some type of gum disease, the issue begins to seem even more serious.
What is Gum Disease and How Does it Affect Me?
Gum disease starts with a build up of the sticky bacteria that form on everyone's teeth: plaque. We think of plaque as cavity causing and dulling to your teeth but when it builds up at the gum-line which is where it seems to collect the most it can lead to infection.
Everyone knows that when there is infection present in the body it can cause health issues. When those unassuming little gums become infected, they allow that infection to flood into your bloodstream and cause your body to have an inflammatory response. This response can lead to all kinds of problems such as :
Heart attacks
Strokes
Some cancers, including pancreatic cancer
Rheumatoid arthritis
Complications in diabetes
Premature birth, low-birth weight babies
Blood infections
Difficulties with joint replacements
Heart infections when valve problems are present
Immune system compromise
As you can see, periodontal disease is no laughing matter!
How Can You Test and Treat Me for Gum Disease?
Here at Modesto Smiles we approach the screening for and care of periodontal or gum disease with appropriate seriousness. We have invested in advanced training and the latest, most innovative testing equipment, including Oral DNA Molecular testing and Genetic Susceptibility testing. Dental testing for genetic susceptibility to gum disease will allow us to develop treatment plan and even prevent gum infection before it ever appears.
If we do find that you have already developed a gum infection, our advanced treatment modalities can clear and heal your gums of infection so your whole body becomes healthier too.
For more information about periodontal disease or to schedule your periodontal screening, call (209) 338-3388 or visit www.modestosmiles.com.
