Dental Gum Disease Linked to Serious Health Problems

Gum Disease Has Been Linked to Serious Health Problems

Medical research has demonstrated that periodontal (gum) disease can affect your health in more serious ways than just losing your teeth. As the bacteria from the gums travel in the bloodstream, they reach vital organs and can contribute to the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. These are serious health concerns. Even more astonishing is the statistic released by the American Dental Association that approximately 8 out of 10 Americans have some level of gum disease. If this were any other disease, such as tuberculosis or hepatitis, it would be regarded a national epidemic! Dentists are even more concerned now about gum disease due to its detrimental effects on overall health.

The American Academy of Periodontology reports that "Studies found periodontal infection may contribute to the development of heart disease, increase the risk of premature, underweight births, and pose a serious threat to people whose health is already compromised due to diabetes and respiratory diseases."

Butler Family Dental  
Chris A. Butler, DMD  
1745 West 17th Avenue  
Eugene, OR 97402  
(541) 485-6645  
MyDentistEugene.com