Think Twice about Skipping that Check-up!

Think twice about skipping that check-up because it may prevent more than just gum disease. Gum disease correlates with heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory disease.

Oral bacteria (plaque) can affect the heart by attaching to the arterial walls of the vessels near the heart. This can cause the vessels to clot easily and restrict normal blood flow to and from the heart leading to heart attacks. In addition, gum disease (periodontitist) can cause swelling of the arteries. After much research, studies find that people with periodontal disease are twice as likely to suffer from heart disease as those people with healthy gums.

Diabetic patients are more likely to have periodontal disease because their immune systems are not as strong. Severe periodontal disease can increase blood sugar levels and can increase the risk of diabetic complications. Diabetics can control their periodontal disease by having more frequent check-ups each year and having meticulous dental home care.

The health of your mouth can also affect the health of your lungs. Bacteria can enter the lungs through droplets inhaled from the mouth. People with periodontal disease are more prone to pneumonia and respiratory infections because the chronic bacterial infection in their mouth can travel down to their lungs. People with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) are especially at risk so keeping healthy gums prevents bouts of infection.

So, is a check-up really important?? A check-up at least twice a year and good home care will decrease your risk for gum disease and will create a healthy environment in your mouth. Your mouth is the gateway to your body and maintaining healthy gums will help you keep a healthy heart, control diabetes and respiratory infections.

Call our office at 757-484-0600 or Request an Appointment to schedule your next check-up!