Can a healthy smile mean a healthy heart? The problems that come with cavities and gum disease may not end with painful treatments and a less than beautiful smile. There is evidence that the health of your mouth can affect the health of your heart and possibly even your ability to fight off cancer. Indeed, people with gum disease have up to twice the chance of having heart disease than those who d
Topic Overview What is gum disease? Gum disease is a bacterial infection of the tissues and bones that surround and support the teeth. It is also called periodontal disease. Gingivitis is mild gum disease that only affects the gingiva, or gums, the tissue surrounding the teeth. Gum disease that progresses and spreads below the gum line to damage the tooth-supporting tissues and bone is called periodontitis. Gingivitis causes red, swollen gums that bleed easily when brushed. Because gingivitis usually doesn't cause pain, many people don't get the treatment they need. Periodontitis develops if gum disease progresses. The gums pull away from the tee
Chronic periodontitis is usually, but not always, a slowly progressing form of periodontitis that often responds to treatment. The rate of progression is neither predictable nor steady. Studies show that patients may experience periods of relative quiescence and bursts of rapidly progressing disease activity. Chronic periodontitis can be considered localized or generalized. Severity can be characterized by the amount of clinical attachment loss.
Brushing your teeth at least twice a day, but even more preferably, after every meal and before bedtimeFlossing your teeth every dayUsing a toothpaste that contains fluorideVisiting your dentist for a check up and cleaning at least twice a year. At your visit, your dentist may recommend daily use of a fluoride rinse or fluoride gel to keep your teeth healthy Source : WebMD Medical Reference
Brushing your teeth at least twice a day, but even more preferably, after every meal and before bedtimeFlossing your teeth every dayUsing a toothpaste that contains fluorideVisiting your dentist for a check up and cleaning at least twice a year. At your visit, your dentist may recommend daily use of a fluoride rinse or fluoride gel to keep your teeth healthy Source : WebMD Medical Reference
Actually, more than 75% of Americans over 35 have some form of gum disease and it's time to sound the alarm on one of the most common diseases around.
Dr. Chris Kammer, Wisconsin:
Sadly, most people think that it's normal when gums bleed. Well it's not! If you washed your hands and they started to bleed, wouldn't [...]
