The link between gum disease and heart disease is real. And preventable. Periodontal disease—commonly referred to as gum disease—is a silent, painless bacterial infection that is often completely undetected or ignored until severe gum and bone destruction takes over. As many as 85% of American adults suffer from moderate to severe forms of gum disease—and most don’t even know it. Those who do are often afraid to undergo traditional gum surgery and routinely opt out, choosing to suffer rather than endure treatment. But with recent research demonstrating a link to numerous health conditions including heart disease, stroke, and even certain cancers, gum disease has become an even more critical public education topic – one that cannot be ignored.
February is Heart Health Month, and serendipitously, it’s also Gum Disease Awareness Month. Informing the public about the importance of gum health, plus a new patient-friendly treatment alternative, is not only timely, but potentially life-saving. Be sure to get to the dentist this month if you have not already seen them recently. We focus on the health of our bodies, lets not forget the health of our teeth and gums.. because they all will effect our body in the end!
Leave a Reply