We all know that gum disease puts us at risk for losing teeth. When gums become red, puffy, swollen and bleed easily, they don’t “hold” teeth securely. Left untreated, teeth become loose and eventually fall out. As if that weren’t bad enough, we now have new reason to be diligent about regular dental checkups and hygiene appointments. Recent studies have linked gum disease to an increased risk of serious health problems, including: heart attack, stroke, pancreatic cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, premature birth and more. As dentists, we’ve long suspected a link between oral health and overall health. These studies have shown that the bacteria associated with gum disease can get into your blood stream and travel through your system, wreaking havoc along the way. Regular dental appointments every six months allow your dental care team to monitor your dental health and stop any periodontal problems before they can become serious threats to your health. IF you haven’t been to the dentist in over 6 months, be sure to schedule an appointment now. For more information on periodontal disease and treatment, please visit my website http://www.drtomase.com/page.asp?tid=111&name=Periodontal-Therapy&navID=8
