The Hidden Dangers of Gum Disease

Bad breath, cavities, and loose teeth. These are the consequences of gum disease everyone knows. But did you know that gum disease can also pose a danger to your heart and even cause pneumonia?

The culprit in gum disease is plaque, the slimy sticky film of bacteria that accumulates on the teeth. When the inflammation along the gum line is mild, the condition is known as gingivitis. When plaque migrates beneath the gums and causes painful pockets of infection, the condition is known as periodontal disease.

Gingivitis and periodontal are not just a problem for your teeth and gums. They can trigger the body's production of cytokines, inflammatory immune chemicals that the liver converts to C-reactive protein (CRP). Many doctors now believe that CRP is the best indication of risk for heart attack, better than the more commonly measured total cholesterol and LDL.

A healthy CRP level is 0.8 milligrams per liter of blood. Gingivitis and periodontal disease can increase CRP levels to 400 to even 1,000 milligrams per liter in the most advanced cases.

This increase in CRP due to gum disease heralds a 200 to 400 per cent increase in the risk of heart attack and a doubling of the risk of stroke. Gum disease and high CRP are also associated with blood clots in the legs (DVT, or deep vein thrombosis) and in the lung (pulmonary embolism).

So what can you do to prevent these serious consequences of gum disease. The most effective way to prevent gum disease is to brush after every meal and floss once a day. Burshing, flossing, and using mouthwash will not eliminate gum disease, but they certainly help.

Secondly, see your dentist at least twice a year for scaling and planing to remove plaque from below the gum line. Preventing plaque buildup goes a long way toward preventing periodontal disease that can affect the health of more than your teeth.

And for even more ways to maintain healthy gums, read about Gum Disease & Yogurt and Vitamins & Healthy Gums.