It’s Oral-Systemic Health Awareness Week and You Need to be in the Know

This week is Oral-Systemic Health Awareness Week and there are some things you need to know about how gum and periodontal disease can have a significant impact on the rest of your body. Periodontal disease begins when bacteria find a home in the shallow spaces normally present between the teeth and gum tissue. If they aren’t removed daily, they cause inflammation and bleeding gums. As the disease progresses, “pockets” form and the bacteria and their by-products can spread throughout the body via the bloodstream. This can cause adverse effects on the rest of the body. Research has linked periodontal disease to heart attack and stroke, diabetic glycemic control, adverse pregnancy outcomes, and other diseases. What can you do? Maintain good dental hygiene habits and find out if you have periodontal disease or your risk of developing it. Brush your teeth after meals, snacks and at bedtime to get rid of food particles and plaque. Floss every day, eat a healthy diet and limit sugar and soda. You should also see your hygienist at least two times per year and more often if you have periodontal disease. See your dentist for a regular exam and oral cancer screening. Often the dentist is the first to see signs of systemic diseases because your mouth is a good indicator of your overall health. Call us today for more information or to schedule and appointment – 209-223-2712.