Heart Disease Linked to Dental Gum Disease

Gum Disease Can Contribute to Heart Disease and Even Stroke

Recent medical research has verified a link showing that gum disease contributes to the onset of stroke, heart disease, and many other life-threatening ailments. So you can understand why treating gum disease is an extremely important step in your efforts to retain your overall good health. 

The American Dental Association estimates that 8 out of 10 people in the United States have periodontal (gum) disease. An 80% infection rate should require gum disease to be handled as a national epidemic, but because tooth loss has long been thought of as nothing more than unpleasant, the ruthlessness of the disease has been ignored for far too long. However, things are changing. 

The American Academy of Periodontology reports: “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.” What this means is that when you contract periodontal disease, the bacteria that infects your teeth and gums can infiltrate your other soft tissues, transfer into your bloodstream, and cause problems in your heart, lungs, and other vital organs. If your health is already compromised, gum disease may make things much worse.

Cox Family Dentistry   
James T. Cox, III, DMD   
Dallas J. Kunkel, DMD   
101 Perpetual Square Drive  
Anderson, SC 29621   
(864) 226-4300   
CoxFamilyDentistrySC.com