Most people have no idea that plaque and
tartar buildup could make you sick. In fact, if you suffer from gingivitis or
periodontal disease your dentist will tell you that you could be setting yourself up for all kinds of problems
including heart disease.
According to Web MD, that bacteria, known as
plaque, will build up on your teeth unless you brush twice and floss once a
day. If left to its own devices, plaque will cause your gums to bleed and be
inflamed.
Recent research has indicated that periodontal disease can cause problems for the rest of your body as well. Some of the
health problems include dementia, heart attacks, and even diabetes. Although
scientists have been unable to establish why this happens, they have identified
links between health problems and poor oral health.
Plaque constantly forms on your teeth when
you eat or drink beverages and foods that contain starches and sugars. Once the
bacteria have released damaging acids, it will attack the enamel on your teeth.
Plaque acts like a glue of sorts keeping the acids in constant contact with the
enamel on your teeth. Over time, the breakdown of your enamel will lead to
tooth decay.
If your gums are tender, swollen and bleed
after you brush or floss you could have gum disease, which begins as gingivitis,
leading to periodontal disease. Once the gum tissue begins to pull away from
your teeth, the bacteria will start to attack the bone that supports your teeth
leading to tooth loss.
Some of the diseases that scientists have
linked with periodontal disease include;
- Dementia
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Heart Disease
- Premature Birth
- Diabetes
Although experts have been unable to pinpoint
the exact links, many dentists and doctors believe that it is the oral bacteria that escape into
your bloodstream causing problems for your major organs.
In a paper written in 2009 by the American Academy
of Periodontology and the American
Journal of Cardiology, recommendations were made to encourage heart doctors to
ask their patients if they have had, or still battle with periodontal disease.
If you
suspect that you may be suffering from gum disease, schedule an appointment
with your dentist who will be able to get rid of your gingivitis or periodontal
disease.
