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Poor gums may cause serious illness

Doctors and dentists believe that gum disease may help lead to the following illnesses:

• Diabetes
• Cardiovascular disease
• Stroke
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Osteoporosis
• Pregnancy complications
• Some types of cancers

Mouth infections may also increase the risk of undergoing several types of surgery, including transplantation and cardiac valve replacement.

A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that treating severe gum disease can improve the function of blood vessel walls and improve heart health. 

Two studies published in the Journal of Periodontology found periodontal bacteria (bugs normally found in inflamed gums) in the arteries of people with heart disease and in the placentas of pregnant woman with high blood pressure.

More research is necessary. However, the correlation between bad gums and illness is gathering wider acceptance among dental and medical professionals alike. Thus, brush twice a day, floss every day, eat healthy and visit your dentist regularly as preventive maintenance.

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