|
If left untreated, periodontitis causes a total breakdown of the supporting bone and gums leading to loose teeth and eventually the loss of teeth. Now evidence is mounting that suggests people with periodontal disease may be more at risk for heart disease and have nearly twice the risk of having a fatal heart attack than people without periodontal disease.
Consider the possibility very seriously: SMOKING---GUM DISEASE----FATAL HEART ATTACK!!
You may have all or none of the following symptoms of the disease: bleeding gums, bad breath, pus draining from the teeth and teeth that are progressively spacing and loosening. You can take action if you suspect you have gum disease. If you are a smoker, you must quit and see a dentist for an evaluation to begin any necessary treatment. By treating gum disease, you may be saving more than your teeth- you just may be saving your life!
To sum it all up, these three major steps can help you save your teeth:
- 1. Eliminate sugar to stop cavities (choose sugar free drinks also)
- 2. If you are a smoker, quit smoking to help prevent periodontal disease and quite possibly - heart
disease.
- 3. Remember, good oral hygiene must include BOTH brushing AND flossing in order to be effective.
If you do not know how to floss, ask your dentist or dental hygienist.
Contact your dentist for more information about saving your teeth. Also, please feel free to email me with any questions about this article or dentistry in general.
Please visit my website or email drmickel@email.msn.com
Dr. Sabrina E. Mickel, D.D.S.
March, 2000
Tell your friends about this page!
|
