If you learned that spending less than 5 minutes twice a day could save you hundreds of dollars, hours of time, and even prevent major diseases, it’d be foolish to NOT commit to that time. Yet, as a Periodontal Specialist, I’m privy to the vast number of adults who fail to brush and floss each day. It’s no longer just a matter of avoiding cavities. As research continues, there is more and more proof that your oral well-being affects your overall health.

Periodontal (gum) disease is now considered a medical disease. As an inflammatory disease, periodontal disease increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, kidney disease, sleep apnea, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, pneumonia, preterm births, and birth defects, to name a few.

Fifty percent of heart attacks and strokes occur in people with normal cholesterol levels. Inflammation is the key contributor to heart disease and cardiac events. Although many see a Dentist to reduce pain and restore teeth, the fact is they are also “soldiers” in protecting your overall health.

Rather than perceive a dental office as a mere ‘cleaning station’ for the mouth, think of it, also, as a heart attack, stroke, and diabetes prevention center. Rethink your relationship with dental professionals as “disease prevention specialists” and be as committed to your oral care as your dental professional is to you. Their involvement in your health care regimen – as well as the advice of brush, floss, swish, etc. – could save your life.

Instead of having one dental professional for optimal oral health, general dentists regularly team with periodontists. General dentists often refer patients to periodontists to treat more problematic periodontal cases, such as severe gum disease or intricate periodontal procedures, such as tissue grafts. Together, they are able to help patients achieve good oral health and maintain this on an ongoing basis. This team approach with your general dentist helps to create a treatment plan that best conforms to your individual needs and goals.

All periodontists must complete an additional two to three years of specialized training in periodontics following four years of undergraduate school and four years of dental school. Periodontists offer a wide range of treatments, such as scaling and root planing (which is the repair of an infected tooth root) or root surface debridement (removal of damaged tissue). While familiar with the latest techniques for diagnosing and treating periodontal disease, they are also trained in performing cosmetic procedures involving gum tissue.

Periodontists typically spend the majority of their time diagnosing and treating periodontal (gum) disease. However, they perform a wide range of procedures that involve soft tissues of the mouth. For example, they are skilled in cosmetic procedures to help create a beautiful smile, such as crown lengthening and repair of a ‘gummy smile.’ Since periodontists are dental pros when it comes to working with gum tissues, they can place dental implants skillfully without compromising gum tissues surrounding surgical site(s). They also correct gum recession by covering exposed root surfaces to prevent sensitivity to hot and cold as well as for esthetic reasons.

Periodontists are also experts in the treatment of oral inflammation. Because periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease are chronic inflammatory diseases, researchers believe that gum disease can increase inflammation in the body. This can lead to an increased risk for developing more severe health complications, including cardiovascular disease as well as diabetes and other problems. Periodontal disease has been linked to preterm babies, memory loss and stroke as well.

A survey commissioned by the Academy of General Dentistry found 63% of those age 45 to 65 with an oral symptom were unaware some are warning signs of adult onset diseases. For instance, the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis and health disease increases with age. Researchers believe that these diseases often manifest themselves in the mouth.

According to the American Diabetes Association, 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. However, only 29% of the baby boomers surveyed were aware of this connection.

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. As a matter of fact, 60% of those surveyed were unaware these symptoms could be signs of a potential heart attack.

The National Osteoporosis Foundation estimates that 44 million American adults have risk for osteoporosis, with a greater risk for menopausal and post-menopausal women. Yet, 97% of women do not discuss this with their dentist.

While the health and appearance of your smile is our emphasis, your overall well-being is also important. Please share any unusual symptoms you are experiencing or any change in your medical status.

Men need to rededicate themselves to their oral health! Men already face shorter life spans and have higher risk for heart attacks and cancer than women. Research also reveals that periodontal (gum) disease affects more men than women with men averaging greater tooth loss as well.

This state of men’s periodontal health is mostly due to men being less vigilant overall when it comes to oral hygiene. Plus, women are three times more likely to floss on a daily basis. Research published in the Journal of Periodontology found that women are twice as likely to have dental check-ups and more likely to complete recommended treatment. Thus, it’s not surprising that the study also showed that men have higher levels of plaque, tartar, and gums that bleed when probed.

A man’s overall health can also be compromised by their lack of oral care. Research reveals a connection with several serious health problems in men that may be associated with gum disease. One of these is impotence. Men with gum disease showed a higher risk of developing impotence due to inflammation associated with periodontal disease. This inflammation has been known to damage to blood vessels, which can lead to impotence. Men younger than 30 or older than 70 are especially at risk.

A separate study found that men with a history of gum disease are 14% more likely at risk for cancer than men with healthy gums. Specifically, men with periodontal disease are 49% more likely than women to develop kidney cancer, 54% more likely to develop pancreatic cancer, and 30% more likely to develop blood cancers.

Men! Let’s do a better job at tending to your head-to-toe well-being! If you are not having 6-month check-ups and cleanings, schedule a full periodontal exam at your earliest convenience. During this time, you’ll learn what is needed to ensure your mouth is maintained at a healthy level to help you enjoy a full, healthy life.