Recent research has indicated that gum disease poses more of a risk to health than the potential for tooth and bone loss. The severe form of gum disease known as “periodontitis” increases the risk of heart disease and other life-threatening conditions. The most recent evidence of a link between oral health and chronic diseases comes from research showing that patients with chronic kidney disease who also have periodontitis have a higher risk of death than chronic kidney disease patients with healthy gums. The fact is that inflamed and bleeding gums provide bacteria with a pathway to enter the bloodstream and make their way to other organs of the body. Dental and periodontal treatments can help eliminate this health risk.
Acknowledging the inherent connection between oral health and a patient’s overall health, your dentist will use many techniques to diagnose, treat, restore, and promote total patient well-being. West Brookfield Dental offers this column in the hopes of educating the general public about the benefits of oral health. If we can help, either by answering questions or by providing comprehensive dental care, please call us at 508.867.2777. State-of-the-art dentistry and a dedicated professional dental team make 9 West Main St., West Brookfield, the ideal place to achieve optimum oral health.
P.S. Periodontitis is the sixth most common human disease.11
