When you hear staggering health statistics, it’s easy to shrug them off. After all, you are the only one who knows the true condition of your health. A statistic doesn’t dictate your fate, right? Well, when you find out that three out of every four adult Americans has gingivitis (early gum disease) you are likely to see how common certain dental conditions actually are. Severe gum disease (periodontitis) afflicts around 30% of those people who start with just a little gingivitis. So when gum disease strikes, can we just brush our teeth a little more, visit the dentist twice a year, and forget it ever happened? Unfortunately, no. Periodontal infections could affect your overall health if you don’t seek treatment. Des Moines dentist, Dr. Stephen Burds would like to share how bacteria in your mouth might travel all through your system.

Are Lungs Healthy when Gums are Healthy?

Many studies over the years have linked oral health to overall health. There are various avenues for bacteria to reach other parts of your body. Germs can infiltrate your gum tissues through your saliva. These crafty bacteria can also adhere to water droplets in the air you inhale every time you breathe. Germ-laden water droplets which are aspirated into the lungs might cause pulmonary infections or pneumonia. Any lung condition is extremely dangerous for people with compromised immune systems.

Oral-Systemic Health Conditions

Gum disease germs have the ability to travel to your circulatory system and other parts of your body through your mouth. This can lead to secondary infections throughout the body. Conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and kidney disease have also been linked to gum disease germs. Have you ever heard of an otherwise healthy person suddenly taking terribly ill, seemingly overnight? Much is still to be learned about oral-systemic health, but if there is even a chance that brushing, flossing, and caring for your teeth and gums might give you a leg up in fighting off serious diseases, shouldn’t you pay attention?

Visit your Des Moines Dentist

If you are due for a checkup, contact your Des Moines dentist by calling Gateway Dental Group at (515) 244-9565. We welcome patients from River Bend, Kirkwood Glen, East Village, and neighboring communities.