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The Relationship Between Gum Disease & Your Overall Health

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Your oral health and your total body health are linked. In this blog post, we discuss the relationship between periodontal disease (or gum disease) and your overall wellness.

Diabetes

Researchers have found a strong connection between gum disease and diabetes. Diabetes is associated with chronic inflammation, damaged blood vessels, and poor healing. Therefore, patients with diabetes are more vulnerable to bacterial infection and gum disease. On the flip side, gum disease may cause raise blood sugar levels, making diabetes harder to manage.

Heart Disease

Early studies have found a relationship between gum disease and the development of heart disease. One hypothesis is that inflammation in the gums sets off a reaction that leads to inflammation or plaque in the cardiovascular system. Another theory is that harmful bacteria from gum disease can enter the blood and travel to the heart.

How to Prevent & Treat Gum Disease

Follow these tips to reduce your risk of gum disease:

  • Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time
  • Floss every day
  • Drink plenty of water
  • Consume a balanced diet with sweets & simple carbohydrates in moderation
  • Chew only sugar-free gum
  • Avoid tobacco products
  • Visit Amber Hills Dental for routine checkups & cleanings

If you’re worried that you might have gum disease, schedule a visit to Amber Hills Dental. We can check what’s going on and develop a customized treatment plan to improve your gum health. There are solutions, from improved at-home oral hygiene, a deep cleaning, antibiotics, laser therapy, and more.

Consult with Our Team!

Do you have any more questions about how periodontal disease might affect your total body health? Or maybe you have an unrelated dental question you’d like to ask? Contact us at Amber Hills Dental! We provide family-friendly, comprehensive dental services at our comfortable office in Henderson, NV.

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