What Your Gums Reveal about Your Health
What Your Gums Reveal about Your Health – Your gums and overall health are more closely linked than you’d think. Click here to see what your gums reveal about your health.
Expert: Paul Fletcher, DDS Periodontics and Implant Dentistry, Specialized Dentistry of New York
Transcript
If you think your red, puffy gums are simply a sign of brushing or flossing too hard, it may be time to think again.
There are over ONE HUNDRED systemic diseases LINKED to chronic periodontal disease and tooth decay. For example, gum disease COULD be a sign that you have, or are developing, diabetes. Diabetes is diagnosed by a high blood sugar level – leading to increased salivary sugar – which can provide a breeding ground for bacteria lurking along the gum line. It’s these bacteria that affect the soft tissue of the gums. But diabetes can also affect the gums by altering the immune system’s ability to fight off bacterial bi-products that attack the gums.
Signs of HEART DISEASE have also been linked to plaque infested gums. According to the International Journal of Cardiology, research shows that the more severe the gum disease, the thicker and harder the arterial walls can become.
Some research studies have even LINKED inflamed gums to the development of kidney disease, preterm labor, osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s disease and certain types of cancer.
If you’re feeling FATIGUED, a possible answer may ALSO be seen in your gums.
GINGIVITIS may be an indication of Vitamin C deficiencies, as well as low levels of zinc, selenium, vitamin A and vitamin E. If your gums aren’t inflamed, but are very tender and pale, and are accompanied by a swollen, smooth tongue, it could mean you’re ANEMIC – or iron deficient.
With gum disease being a possible indicator of many overall health issues, regular visits to your dentist are a good way to stay on top of your oral – and OVERALL — health.
For more info on keeping your oral health in shape, check out other the videos in this series.
Last Modified: 2012-11-17
Category: Health and Nutrition, Videos
