We have all heard of the terms gingivitis and periodontitis. Both of these terms are used to describe “gum disease.” Some recent research shows that not only does gum disease affect our oral health, but it may contribute to a myriad of other health disorders.

Studies reveal that 15-30% of American adults have some form of gum disease. Usually this is found in older adults, people with a history of dental problems, or people with poor oral hygiene. One study of nursing home residents revealed that as many as 37% of nursing home residents have gingivitis. There is a positive correlation between people with gum disease and an increased risk of atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, stroke, and lung problems.

It is believed that infected pockets develop in poorly maintained gums and these infections may release bacteria, viruses, or toxins into our bloodstream and eventually cause other health related problems. Doctors know that our mouth is one of the fastest healing structures in the body due to the large number of blood vessels found in it. Unfortunately this means that toxins that are released here can easily spread throughout the body.

When these toxins and inflammatory agents are released into the blood stream, they have an adverse affect on many of the body’s functions. Our body is forced to increase cellular usage of key vitamins and minerals, thereby robbing our body of the nutrients we need.

One study revealed that someone with gum disease will significantly increase the amount of toxins in their blood every time they chew on something. The levels of toxin found in the blood stream increased from 6-24% depending on the extent of gum disease present. Combine this information with another article that showed gum disease may predispose people to not only cardiovascular disease, but also diabetes, adverse pregnancy outcomes, and pulmonary infections, and we begin to realize how vast of a health issue gum disease may really be.

With all of the medical marvels we see being developed on a daily basis, it is easy to become complacent with monotonous daily hygiene rituals. According to dentists, most people do not floss on a regular basis. Using floss 1-2 times a day in conjunction with proper teeth brushing will help to maintain healthier teeth and gums by removing the foreign particles from between our teeth that bacteria love to live in. Good oral hygiene will help deter the growth and infestation of organisms that may eventually invade our entire body. It seems that visiting the dentist on a regular basis may have more profound health benefits than any of us could have imagined.

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