Bad Gum Health: How it can affect your whole body

Recent findings using large scale studies have confirmed the link between poor gum health and problems with other parts of the body such as heart disease, diabetes, strokes, lung disease and giving birth prematurely.

The study found that the bacteria in the mouth get into the bloodstream and release proteins which can cause clots in the heart and blood vessels, also increasing the likelihood of strokes.

People with diabetes are more likely to have gum disease due to the slow healing processes. The new findings also stated that if you have gum disease you are more likely to develop diabetes!

Pregnant women have a greater chance of giving birth prematurely as the chemicals released by the bacteria can bring on labour early, 1 in 4 women with gum disease can give birth before 35 weeks.

As people with gum disease have more bacteria in their mouth, this can cause more chest infections, this can affect frail and elderly people who can die of pneumonia.

Signs to look out for: red and inflamed gums, a bad smell or taste, loose teeth, or teeth that have moved position or look longer in a short space of time and regular infections in the mouth.

It is very important to tell your dentist if you have any of the concerns listed above and keep them informed of any changes in your general health or changes in medication.

Gum disease can run in families, but the most common cause is poor oral hygiene, you can visit your dentist and they will advise you on the best way to improve the way you maintain gum health in your home cleaning techniques.

Visiting a hygienist regularly will improve your gum health and your understanding of the different mouthwashes and interdental cleaning aids that are available. It is important to realise that different mouthwashes have different effects in the mouth, Corsodyl based mouthwashes are ideal in fighting the bacteria that cause gum disease, but it has to be used in conjunction with proper cleaning techniques.

Smoking can cause gum disease to become much worse because your bloodstream has less oxygen so your gums do not heal very well, as well as causing staining, bad breath and in severe cases, mouth cancer.

Please contact us at Horsford Dental Practice if you need any advice or if you would like to visit our hygienist.