Health Risks of Gum Disease

Healthier gums mean a healthier you!

Research has shown an important link between gum disease and other serious health conditions throughout a person’s body. Left untreated, gum disease can increase the risk of other health complications, including the following:

• Heart attack: Those with gum disease are twice as likely to develop coronary heart disease and 2.6 times more likely to die of cardiovascular disease than those without gum disease.
• Stroke: Men who have had gum disease have a 57 percent higher risk of ischemic stroke.
• Diabetes: The International Federation of Diabetes states that controlling gum disease is one of the best ways to control blood sugar in those with diabetes.
• Pancreatic cancer: Men with a history of gum disease have a 63 percent higher risk of pancreatic cancer than men without a history of gum disease.
• Premature or underweight babies: Women with gum disease are twice as likely to have a premature or low birth weight baby.
• Respiratory Diseases are also more prominent in people with gum disease.

There are numerous reasons to take gum disease seriously, with the list above stating only a few. If you think that you may have gum disease, don’t hesitate to take action. Early treatment of gum disease helps reduce the danger of developing these serious systemic conditions.

Through his effective treatment of gum disease, Dr. Primm helps patients maintain not only their oral health but their overall health as well. Contact us today at 615-570-3410 for more info!

Do you have gum disease? Click here to find out.