There is a study out there that suggests there is a link between tooth loss and breast cancer. The study says women may be over 11 times more likely to suffer from breast cancer if they have missing teeth and gum disease.
If gum disease is not treated quickly, the teeth may possibly fall out. Did you know that more teeth are lost through periodontal disease than through tooth decay? Gum disease is serious business. Gum disease is caused by the bacteria in dental plaque and as it gets worse the bone anchoring the teeth in the jaw is lost, making the teeth loose.There has been data in the past that suggests that infections in the mouth can affect other areas of your general health. It is thought that bacteria from the mouth can get into the blood stream and affect the heart, causing a higher risk of heart disease for people with gum disease. People with gum disease are also thought to be at a higher risk of strokes, chest infections, and pregnant women are 7 times more likely to have a premature baby with a low birth weight.
I don't think that I need to convince anyone that gum disease is bad, so how do you prevent gum disease? Unfortunately gum disease develops painlessly and there aren't many ways in which you can detect problems developing. Look out for inflamed gums causing them to be red, inflamed and bleed easily, and foul taste in your mouth, awful breath, loose teeth and normal mouth infections.
The best way to prevent and treat gum disease is to ensure you remove all the plaque from between your teeth by brushing for two minutes twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Gum disease starts between your teeth so it is important that clean between your teeth at least once a day with inter-dental brushes or dental floss as this is the area where gum disease starts. Regular visits to the dentist can also help to identify early signs of gum disease.
The best defense is a good offense!
Please call us to set up an appointment with our office at (800) 891-5808.
La Mesa Village Dental 4730 3rd St. #C La Mesa CA 91941
