Gum Disease The New Silent Killer?

It's been almost eight years since the journal Stroke published findings suggesting that the risk of stroke increased with the progression of periodontal disease and a plethora of other articles suggest a strong connection between heart disease and gum disease as well. And, even with this pile of research, we still don't know “for sure” if periodontal disease is a contributing factor or just a common thread.

As a medical professional, it would be nice to have a conclusive body of research behind me when I elevate the importance of treating gum disease to the level of a life-threatening ailment, but instead I'll have to use common sense.

Here's what we do know. Gum (periodontal) disease is simply a chronic bacterial infection in the mouth characterized by inflammation, red puffy gums that bleed easily, and bad smelling breath. It is usually painless which is why it usually goes undiagnosed, even at times by some dentists and hygienists. Bacterial infections and inflammation are the key words here.

Bacterial infection leads to inflammation. Arterial inflammation is a key factor in heart disease, so the research, plus a little common sense, tells us that untreated gum disease can contribute to the risk factors associated with heart attacks, stroke, and diabetes.

Simply put, untreated gum disease contributes to an increase in total body inflammation. It is like having a nine square inch infected open wound in the skin. This painless, infected wound in the mouth allows germs to enter the blood supply and contribute to arterial inflammation and disease.

As most people already know, heart disease is the number one killer in the United States. According to the CDC more than 616,000 people died of heart disease in a year, and approximately 795,000 people suffer a stroke.

We don't need to wait for more research to confirm the mouth disease, body disease connection common sense tells us that an infection-free mouth will help decrease blood vessel inflammation and can help prevent heart disease, stroke and diabetes.

As a patient, if you previously thought that the risks associated with gum disease stopped at losing teeth, then perhaps this information will change your mind. Having regular teeth cleanings, using a tooth brush, tooth pick, and dental floss daily to remove disease causing germs from around the teeth can make a big difference and help minimize infective inflammatory gum disease and its association with other inflammatory diseases like heart disease, stroke and diabetes.

If you've been putting it off, see your dentist for a simple checkup and cleaning today it can help you get a healthy, disease free mouth.