Boulder General Dentistry

By now you are probably aware of the things to help keep your teeth and gums healthy: brush and floss, visit the dentist twice a year, keep snacking to a minimum, and don't smoke. While this advice is ingrained in us at a young age, nearly 50% of people will have a cavity by the time they are 12-years-old. Telling our children to do these things so they don't get cavities is one thing. Cavities can be fixed. However, it has been noted that poor oral health can lead to periodontal disease, and this can lead to things that cannot be fixed as easily or even at all.

Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection of the gums that destroys tissue and bone that holds the teeth. It is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. While some people are simply genetically prone to periodontal disease, many who have it could have avoided the problems. And now, links have been established between this disease and increased risk of heart attack, stroke, problems for those with diabetes, and problems with pregnancy (pre-eclampsia, low birth weight, and preterm birth).

There are several hypotheses about why this happens. One of them is that oral bacteria enters the bloodstream, attaches to fatty plaques in the arteries, and causes clots. Another is that inflammation of the gums may cause a buildup of plaque itself.

Treating periodontal disease includes reducing gum inflammation and lowering the amount of bacteria in the mouth, but why let it get to this point? If you know how to avoid the disease in the first place, the health of your teeth and gums, as well as your overall health, can be improved.

For more information on periodontal disease, its treatment, and its risks, please contact Dr. Birnbach.