Periodontal Disease: The Hidden Health Menace in Chapel Hill

In our last blog we covered the basics of periodontal (gum) disease, and we all now know that it’s dangerous to the health of your mouth and can lead to tooth loss. But all of us at Chapel Hill Advanced Dentistry want you to know that the health of your overall well-being can also be affected by gum disease.

The bacteria in gum disease can cause various health issues by being absorbed into the bloodstream and carried throughout your body, inhaled into your lungs, transferred from person to person, and can even lower your immune system, making you more susceptible to infections.

Numerous studies have shown that gum disease has been linked to serious medical conditions and diseases including:

• Lung Disease

• Cancers

• Osteoporosis

• Heart Attacks

• Strokes

In fact, those with periodontal disease are at double the risk for a fatal stroke or heart attack.

Given the serious nature of gum disease, our Chapel Hill dental office urges you to keep up with your routine dental checkups since early detection and treatment are the best way to keep gum disease from affecting the rest of your body and your overall health.

If you’ve noticed any signs of gum disease including bleeding gums, loose teeth, or chronic bad breath, or if you’re due for a checkup and periodontal screening, we encourage you to call our Chapel Hill dental office as soon as possible. We’ll perform an in-depth examination of your gums and start any necessary periodontal maintenance to keep your mouth, and your body, healthy.