At Canberra Dental Care we are cheerleaders for healthy gums, not just for the impact on the oral cavity but also because of the links between gum disease and serious overall health conditions.

Periodontitis, a common type of gum disease, is closely linked to diabetes, heart disease, and pregnancy complications due to chronic inflammation and bacteria entering the bloodstream.

Researchers have found the following:

Diabetes: Periodontitis raises your risk of Type II diabetes by 19 to 33 percent.

Conversely patients with Type 2 diabetes have 2–3 times the risk of developing periodontitis.

Treating periodontitis can improve HbA1c levels by 0.5-1.5%

Heart Disease: Periodontitis increases your risk of heart disease by 34 percent.

Bacteria from your mouth can travel to your heart contributing to arterial plaque build up and inflammation

Reducing bacterial levels with frequent toothbrushing (twice a day) can reduce the risk of atrial fibrillation and heart failure.

Pregnancy Outcomes: Pregnant women with periodontitis have been shown to be twice as likely to experience preterm birth, preeclampsia and low-birth-weight babies.

Other Conditions: Studies have also linked periodontitis to Alzheimer’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and pneumonia.

Brush twice a day and floss daily to remove harmful plaque to reduce bacteria levels and prevent inflammation.

Visit your dentist/hygienist regularly for early diagnosis and professional cleaning.