Study Finds Link to Periodontal Disease and Stroke
Did you know that May is National Stroke Awareness Month?
We’re using this occasion as a springboard to talk about the link that researchers have made between stroke and gum disease in Eden Prairie, MN.
What Happens to the Mouth During Gum Disease
Gum disease starts as a bacterial build-up deep in the periodontal pockets, an area between the tooth and gums. Over time, if the bacteria isn’t cleaned away, it begins to eat away at soft tissues, teeth and bone. As you can imagine, that slowly begins to affect the whole body system, because we’re interconnected beings.
In 2004, a German study showed clearly that gum disease was indeed a risk factor for ischemic stroke. Their results indicated that people with periodontal disease increased their stroke risk by more than four times. That’s a significant number, and one that should make anyone take notice.
Why does the risk factor go up with the presence of gum disease? The link is the bacteria and the lasting results of a chronic infection. When bacteria are introduced into the bloodstream, they wreak havoc on the system, causing inflammation and infection. How to Spot and Treat Gum Disease
With this evidence in hand, we can all agree that spotting and treating gum disease is essential. How? Look out for these signals of periodontal disease:
- Your gums bleed regularly, and not just during flossing
- Your gums are red and swollen
- You notice pus coming from between your gums and teeth
- You have bad breath all the time
- Your teeth are starting to wiggle
- Your gums are sensitive
Sound familiar? Call us for an appointment to see if you could have gum disease in Eden Prairie, MN. We’re happy to help you get your body in the best shape possible, starting with the health of your mouth.