The Facts Are – Gum Disease and Health

Fast facts: Your mouth talks to your body, and your body talks to your mouth! Did you know that… Bacteria in your mouth has been shown to increase your risk of heart disease, high blood pressure and stroke. People with uncontrolled gum disease are twice as likely to die from heart disease and three times as likely to die from stroke. According to the AAOSH 93% of people with gum disease are also at risk of diabetes. Diabetes and bleeding gums increases your risk of premature death by 400 to 700 percent! How does this happen? The bacteria which lives in your mouth can transfer from your gums when they bleed into your bloodstream and deposit onto the artery walls.  this bacteria forms a plaque and blocks the arteries over time, thus causing higher blood pressure and eventually heart disease or stroke. Uncontrolled diabetics have a higher amount of sugar in the blood and in gum fluids and therefore feed the bacteria that lives in the mouth, increasing the risk of gum disease. What can you do? Don’t neglect your gums! If you notice bleeding or swollen gums, bad breath, receding gums or tartar build up, see your dentist or hygienist and get your gums back to good health so you can keep your body healthy.

Call Clarinda Clinic on (03) 9551 4599