Inflammation in the body is a naturally-occurring process that creates beneficial responses. It’s a reaction of your immune system that sends T-cells to combat disease and destructive cell invaders.

However, it is also inflammation that stokes the fire of cancer, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, memory loss, and even erectile dysfuntion (ED). While some folks are genetically pre-dispositioned for high levels of inflammation, excess fat, stress, a diet high in sugar and fat, age, and gum disease can accelerate inflammation to risky levels.

Gum disease begins as gingivitis, which is an overload of bacteria that ‘feeds” on oral tissues. As the bacteria multiply, the initial phase of periodontal (gum) disease begins as the body becomes unable to tackle the bacterial build-up. The result is infection that penetrates the oral tissues and eventually bones supporting natural teeth.

This infection causes the bloodstream to be bombarded with inflammation. In turn, this distorts how the body processes blood sugar, freeing up plaque in the arteries that can lead to blood clots or heart attacks. It can also warp cells that form cancer and damage pathways in the brain and brain cells, increasing the risk for Alzheimer’s disease.

Some drugs help to lower inflammation, although it’s wisest to control levels through proper diet, sufficient exercise, not smoking, and keeping the gums in good health. If you don’t floss, this daily habit is tremendously beneficial to the prevention of bacteria build-up. If you have sore, tender gums or have bleeding when you brush, schedule a periodontal exam by calling 828-274-9440. These are signs of gum disease and will only worsen without treatment.

The sooner you restore your mouth to a healthy state, the less time and expense you’ll incur from treatment. Plus, a healthy mouth can contribute to maintaining good, overall health. Be committed to excellent oral health and know your smile is not the only thing that gains the benefits!

A recent study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine has revealed that men in their 30s with severe gum disease are 3 times more likely to have erection problems. This comes after past research has shown that periodontal disease may be linked to heart disease, which is a common cause of erectile dysfunction. Although there are no claims that one disease causes the other, the association is thought to be related to inflammation brought on by gum disease bacteria.

These are all valid reasons that men should take an active role in the health of their teeth and gums before other areas of the body are affected. The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention estimate that almost half of U.S. adults have periodontal disease. Of that, 56% of men have periodontal disease, compared to over 38% of women.

Other areas where periodontal health has been associated with the status of men’s health, in particular, include prostate health, heart disease, impotence and cancer. For example, research has found that men with a history of gum disease are 14% more likely to develop cancer than men with healthy gums. Additionally, 49% of men are more likely to develop kidney cancer, 59% more likely to develop pancreatic cancer and 30% more likely to develop blood cancer.

Men need to do a better job of protecting their overall health by keeping their periodontal health at an excellent level. Symptoms of gum disease include gums that bleed when brushing, sore or swollen spots on gums, persistent bad breath, and gums that are red rather than a healthy pink color. If you have any of these symptoms, call (828) 274-9440 for an examination appointment as soon as possible. Gum disease will not improve without treatment.

It seems key symptoms in the mouth are warning signs of adult onset diseases. For instance, the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis and heart disease increases with age. Researchers believe that these diseases often manifest themselves in the mouth.

For example, the American Diabetes Association states that the majority of diabetics suffer from Type 2 diabetes, which usually begins after age 45. Initial indicators of this disease are bad breath and bleeding gums.

Also, after the age of 45, the risk for developing heart disease triples. Although heart disease is the leading killer of Americans, a sore and painful jaw is often overlooked as a warning signal.

Research continually reveals links between oral and overall health. Please alert us or your General Dentist to any unusual symptoms or change in your medical status.

If you are a diabetic, you may have heard of the connection of periodontal (gum) disease and diabetes. This has to do with the bacteria of gum disease that tends to trigger an inflammatory response. This inflammation sets off a series of different reactions and has been linked to arthritis, coronary artery disease, preterm babies, and more.

Research on periodontal disease bacteria and its effect on the heart, lungs, endocrine system (for diabetes), unborn babies, etc. has been conducted for years across the globe. The latest findings pertaining to diabetes were revealed through a study conducted by United Concordia, the nation’s sixth largest insurer. This study of 1.7 million patients showed a reduction in pharmacy costs by nearly $1,500 per year, on average, after diabetics received a round of treatments for gum disease.

This study follows one previously conducted that revealed how periodontal treatment for diabetics significantly decreased the number of doctor’s office visits and hospitalizations. A savings of fewer medical visits culminated into an annual average of over $1,800 per patient. This most recent study shows how gum therapy tends to lower costs required for hospitalization, medical office visits, and medications,for an annual heath care savings of over $3,200.

The oral health study by United Concordia is the largest of its kind. As a Periodontist, I’m pleased that it represents how thorough periodontal treatment can greatly enhance the overall well-being of diabetic patients. While the decrease in medical costs for diabetics is an appealing bonus, it further emphasizes how periodontal therapy gives significant, whole-health benefits.