By now, I’m fairly certain that most of the patients at my Forest Hills dental office have heard about the connection between the health of your gums and the health of your heart. So what’s new? One of the most recent – also one of the largest – studies so far in this field indicates that poor oral health could be an even more important predictor of a cardiovascular episode than traditional risk factors.

What does that mean to you?

It means that it is even more important than ever to keep up with your check ups and cleanings with your dentist in Forest Hills. Preventing oral infection is so much better than treating it. Once the infection starts, the health risks begin as well.

Does Gum Disease Affect More Than My Heart?

The truth is that gum disease can affect much more than your heart. Because the bacteria that causes gum disease goes from your gums directly into your bloodstream, your body will react with inflammation and this inflammation can cause huge problems in the rest of your body. For example:

• Periodontal disease wreaks havoc on blood sugar levels, resulting in a significant role in our country’s diabetic crisis.  If you have diabetes and your gums bleed, your chances of dying early can increase 400 to 700 percent.  
• Pregnancy complications are an astounding three times more likely for women with gum disease.
• More than 30,000 Americans are expected to lose their lives to pancreatic cancer this year, and, according to a Harvard study, periodontal disease has been strongly linked to this deadly and fast spreading cancer.

That’s just the tip of the iceberg, and just a few of the many reasons we take your check-ups and cleanings so seriously.

How Can You Minimize Your Risk?

Besides maintaining regular visits to my dental office in Forest Hills, there are other ways you can decrease your chance of gum disease and the overall health concerns associated with it.

• Brush your teeth twice a day, everyday, for a minimum of two minutes each time.
• Floss once daily.
• Avoid tobacco products.
• If you do notice any signs of possible gum disease like bleeding or swollen gums, schedule an appointment as soon as possible.

Accepting new patients from Forest Hills, Bel Air, and Fallston.