Gum Disease Can Contribute to Serious Health Conditions
Medical research has surprised many doctors with the evidence that periodontal (gum) disease, stroke, and heart disease are linked. Since heart disease is usually fatal, it’s important to treat gum disease is a serious matter. The American Dental Association estimates that 8 of 10 Americans have periodontal disease. If this were a medical affliction such as AIDS or tuberculosis, it would be considered an epidemic! Most dentists treat it that way. They knew gum disease would never be labeled epidemic because “no one ever dies from it.” The worst is that you lose your teeth. Not ideal – but certainly not life threatening. But that’s all changed. 
The American Academy of Periodontology reports, “Studies found periodontal infection may contribute to the development of heart disease, increase the risk of premature, underweight births, and pose a serious threat to people whose health is already compromised due to diabetes and respiratory diseases.” Periodontal disease is characterized by bacterial infection of the gums. These bacteria can travel into the bloodstream – straight to the heart.
Grand Traverse Smile Center
Ryan Paulson, DDS
928 S. Garfield Avenue
Traverse City, MI 49686
(231) 935-4872
GTSmileCenter.com
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