Posted by Joanne Mellor
Patients who are diagnosed with gum disease will see their chances of developing dozens of other illnesses rise as a result, research has found.
Studies conducted all over the world are increasingly finding links between gum disease and other health issues such as high blood pressure and heart disease.
According to a report by the Daily Mail, gum disease often begins with a build-up of plaque, which can then lead to periodontal bacteria getting into the bloodstream and travelling to major organs to begin new infections.
It was noted research conducted at New York State University showed treating swollen gums with scaling, root planing and antibiotic gel significantly lowered the levels of C-reactive protein and fibrinogen, both of which have been shown to have links to heart disease.
A recent study revealed in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology found individuals are three times more likely to have severe gum disease if they are dependent on alcohol, which chief executive of the British Dental Health Foundation Dr Nigel Carter should act as a warning to regular drinkers.