What is the connection between gum disease and other health issues?

Gum disease has been linked to some other diseases. People with diabetes or heart disease are more likely to get gum disease. Strokes and high stress also may be related to gum disease. Researchers are still studying these links.

It is important to talk to your dentist if you suffer from any long-term health problem. Together, you can work out an oral care plan for your best oral and overall health.

Warning Signs of Gum Disease

If you notice any of the signs below, see your dentist. However, you can have gum disease and not notice any of these warning signs. That is why regular dental checkups are very important.

• gums that bleed when you brush or floss
• gums that are red, swollen, puffy, or tender
• gums that no longer hug your teeth tightly
• bad breath that doesn’t go away
• pus between your teeth and gums
• feeling that your teeth are loose
• a change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
• a change in the way your partial dentures fit

Follow these healthy habits to help prevent gum disease

It generally costs much less to keep your teeth and gums healthy than to wait until you have a problem that needs to be treated. These healthy habits can help:

• Brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and for 2 minutes each time.
• Clean between your teeth with floss or another between-the-teeth cleaner every day to remove plaque and food from areas your toothbrush can’t reach.
• Your dentist or hygienist may recommend using a germ-killing mouthrinse or other products.
• Eat a healthy diet and limit snacks and sugary drinks. Learn more online at www.choosemyplate.gov.
• Visit your dentist regularly.

Tobacco use harms gums

Don’t use tobacco!

If you smoke, chew, or dip tobacco, then it is very important you quit. Using tobacco in any form slows down your healing and raises your chances of getting gum disease again or it getting worse if you already have it. Talk to your dentist or doctor about ways you can quit.

Are You at Risk?

Anyone can get gum disease, but there are things raise your risk of getting it. These include:

• Not taking care of your teeth and gums. 
• Using tobacco of any kind. 
• Diseases that affect the whole body – such as diabetes and HIV infection.
• Older Age.
• Stress. 
• Clenching/Grinding your teeth.
• Many medications.
• Pregnancy, use of birth control pills, or changes in female hormone levels. 
• Family history.
• Passing the bacteria that causes gum disease through saliva.