A CHRONIC CONSTANT INFECTION
Simply put, periodontal disease is a "gum infection." There are many risk factors for periodontal disease, such as diabetes, smoking, poor nutrition, poor personal hygiene, and genetic factors. There are only two causative factors, though. Those are harmful bacteria and your body's immune inflammatory response to those bacteria. Periodontal disease is an autoimmune disease where your body breaks down the supporting tissues around the teeth - the gums and bone - while attempting to attack the bad bacteria. Antibiotics are often ineffective in controlling the disease, because the bacteria live in "biofilms" that protect the bacteria.
THE ORAL-SYSTEMIC LINK
According to the American Academy of Periodontology, research has shown that there is an association between periodontal diseases and other chronic inflammatory conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer’s disease. Therefore, treating inflammation may not only help manage periodontal diseases but may also help with the management of other chronic inflammatory conditions.
The American Dental Association estimates that between 75 – 80% of adults are affected by gum infections . . . AND . . . they can be contagious!
WHAT DO YOUR GUMS SAY?
Your gums say a lot about the overall health and wellness of your body! When your gums are not healthy, you are not healthy.
- Heart Disease?