How Avoiding Gum Disease Can Preserve Your Health

Gum DiseaseThink a little gum disease is nothing to worry about? Think again. Gum disease doesn't just affect your oral health; it can affect your overall health as well, and many patients of Long Beach dentist Joseph DuRoss, D.D.S. have no idea.

Health Conditions Associated With Gum Disease

While you may or may not develop another serious illness as the direct result of your gum disease, researchers have found that gum disease is associated with a wide number of health conditions, many of which are quite serious. Gum disease has been associated with bone loss, receding gums, and tooth loss. It has been associated with lung infections, coronary artery disease, stroke, diabetes, asthma, osteoporosis, Rheumatoid arthritis and cancer. Furthermore, pregnant women with gum disease may be putting their unborn children at risk for premature labor or a low birth weight.

How Does Gum Disease Lead to These Conditions?

While the connection between gum disease and conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer is unknown, many scientists speculate that the conditions may be caused in part by the bacteria from the gums entering the bloodstream, where it is able to travel to the various parts of the body. One thing is for certain, however; people who do not take good care of their gums are more likely to have additional medical issues to deal with as well.

How Can Gum Disease Be Prevented?

The good news is, gum disease can often be prevented or even cured when treated properly. There are two excellent ways to do this. First of all, get in the habit of practicing excellent oral hygiene at home. This includes brushing twice a day and rinsing and flossing once every day. Secondly, visit your trusted Long Beach dentist, Dr. DuRoss, for routine dental examinations. The sooner Dr. DuRoss is able to spot and treat the early signs of gum disease, the better your health outcomes are likely to be.

If it has been a while since you last visited your Long Beach dentist, make it a priority to schedule a checkup as soon as possible. Call Dr. DuRoss today. We love to help our patients maintain excellent oral and overall health.

North Virginia Rd Long Beach, CA

Long Beach, CA Dentist
Joseph DuRoss, DDS
3903 N Virginia Rd
Long Beach, CA 90807
(562) 424-8537

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