There’s hardly a month or year that goes by where we don’t find new information about the dangers of gum disease. For years, we knew that gum disease led to tooth loss, but now we’re learning about how gum disease can have serious effects on your overall health. That also means we’re finding a new group of people who are at a higher risk of gum disease.
Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults and often comes with no signs. You might think that having gum disease means your gums will bleed or be swollen. That is sometimes the case, but more often than not, you’ll have no signs. In fact, about 75 percent of Americans will suffer from gum disease at some point in their lives – and most of those people have no clue they have a problem.
This is why it’s so important to never skip out on regular cleanings and examinations. At New Albany Implants, we provide comprehensive preventative care and treat gum disease early before it turns into a larger issue. Dr. Ron and Dr. Brad work with patients to make sure you keep your natural teeth healthy for a lifetime.
Here is some information about who is at risk for gum disease:
Gum Disease A Real Threat During Pregnancy
Studies have found that about 40 percent of women will have some form of gum disease during their pregnancy. The problem is so common that we have a clinical term for it: pregnancy gingivitis. Here’s a simple explanation: during pregnancy hormonal changes in the woman’s body allows gum disease-causing bacteria to flourish. If you have a history with gum disease, you’re even more likely to have problems during your pregnancy.
According to The Journal of the American Dental Association, pregnant women with gum disease are more like to deliver their babies prematurely. As you probably already know, prematurely births can lead to a host of medical and development issues. If you’re thinking about having a child, your best option is to visit our New Albany dental office beforehand. We can review the state of your mouth and provide any treatment before your pregnancy.
Patients With Heart Disease, Diabetes At Higher Risk of Gum Disease
This is a little different than pregnancy gingivitis because there is a two-way street between heart disease and gum disease and diabetes and gum disease. That means that the inflammation known to cause gum disease can actually lead to heart disease and diabetes, and vice versa. Recent studies have shown that patients with gum disease are at a higher risk of severe heart attacks. That happens because the bacteria that causes gum disease travels through your bloodstream and into the arteries of your heart. The connection between diabetes and gum disease is a little different. Gum disease can actually increase your blood-sugar levels, which sets the stage for diabetic issues.
If you’re at a higher risk of gum disease, you can also reduce your risk of gum disease by brushing twice a day and flossing regularly. You can also visit our New Albany dental office for comprehensive preventative care. Just a few visits a year can drastically improve your overall health and reduce your risk for serious illnesses like gum disease and heart disease. Call us today to schedule your initial visit.