Gum Disease In The News

In a recent article published by The Washington Post the relationship between gum disease and various others diseases was discussed. "Open wide. There’s a host of researchers peering inside your mouth, and you may be surprised at what they hope to find. They’re looking for a connection between gum disease and illnesses such as breast cancer and even dementia."

Is gum disease related to diabetes, pancreatic cancer, and heart disease? There certainly seems to be more and more evidence of a relationship. It could be possible that one disease exacerbates another or gum disease could be a symptom of other diseases. "In the meantime, extra dental care for those with gum disease and certain at-risk conditions has become common, pragmatic practice."

Gum disease, also known as Periodontitis, is an inflammatory condition in the mouth. Signs of gum disease include bleeding gums, swollen gums, bad breath, and loose teeth. Left untreated, gum disease can result in tooth loss and can increase the risk and severity of other diseases. 

"While not definitive, the links between gum disease and diabetes, at-risk pregnancy, heart disease and stroke have been so consistent that some insurers offer extra preventive periodontal care at little or no cost to people with those conditions."

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