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434 Main Street Dunedin, FL 34698-4964
Dr. Terry Zervos
Family and Cosmetic Dentistry

Dangers of Gum Disease

Our mouths are full of bacteria. These bacteria, along with mucus and other particles, constantly form a sticky, colorless "plaque" on teeth. Brushing and flossing help get rid of plaque.  Plaque that is not removed can harden and form "tartar" that brushing doesn't clean.  Only a professional cleaning by a dentist or dental hygienist can remove tartar.

Can gum disease cause health problems beyond the mouth? 

In some studies, researchers have observed that people with gum disease (when compared to people without gum disease) were more likely to develop heart disease or have difficulty controlling blood sugar.  Other studies showed that women with gum disease were more likely than those with healthy gums to deliver preterm, low birth weight babies.  But so far, it is not been determined whether gum disease is the cause of these conditions.

There may be other reasons people with gum disease sometimes develop additional health problems.  For example, something else may be causing both the gum disease and other condition, or it could be a coincidence that gum disease and other health problems are present together.

More research is needed to clarify whether gum disease actually causes health problems beyond the mouth, and whether treating gum disease can keep other health conditions from developing.

In the meantime, it's a fact that controlling gum disease can save your teeth – a very good reason to take care of your teeth and gums.

 

More Info:

http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/OralHealth/Topics/GumDiseases/PeriodontalGumDisease.htm

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