The Connection Between Gum, Bone and Heart Disease

Periodontal disease is very similar to heart disease, in that initially, you will not have any specific sign or symptom such as pain, until late in the progression to the disease. With periodontal disease the first symptoms most people will actually notice might be bleeding gums, bad breath, puffy gums, but no pain. Unfortunately, most people that put off dental treatment for years might notice a loose tooth before having any pain or discomfort and by that time it is too late. The tooth will usually not be able to be saved.
The similarities between heart disease and periodontal disease do not end there. In fact, periodontal disease has been shown to be a direct link to heart disease, diabetes, and early birth in pregnant women.
Prevention is an overused word in our vocabulary, but we all know it works. You see it in what you do every day. Who wouldn’t rather prevent a crisis than manage one?
Awareness of periodontal disease is very low. Only 50 percent of the population visits a dentist on a regular basis. Of that 50 percent, 80 percent have some degree of gum and bone disease. It is an epidemic. Were this any other disease, we would be calling on the CDC for immediate action!
If you have questions regarding gum disease, please call our office at 661-222-2242 or visit www.PromenadeDentistry.com today.