I found this brochure at my dentist’s office yesterday when I got my deep cleaning—ouch!! But it reminded me to write about this piece. I had read about this before and thought it was an interesting fact to share. After all, when we are caring for elderly loved ones, anything minute can put their health at risk. How can a dirty mouth equal to heart attacks? There have been studies done before about the incidence of heart disease in people with periodontal (gum) disease but no reasonable cause had been detected at that point.

Now studies have shown that the most common strain of bacteria in dental plaque may actually cause blood clots. When this happens, you become at risk for heart attacks and strokes.

Periodontal Disease

Gum disease progresses silently often without any pain. More than half of all people over the age of 18 have some form of periodontal disease. However, after the age of 35, that number increases to about three out of four people —not good! Periodontal disease destroys your teeth and supporting bones that hold your teeth in place.

Risks to health

• Weakened Immune System
• Diabetes
• Lung Disease
• Low birthrates
• Respiratory disease
• Osteoporosis
• Gastric Ulcer

Signs of Periodontal Disease

• Bleeding gums- by any touch
• Red, swollen or tender gums
• Pus between teeth and gums when gums are pressed.
• Loose teeth or separating
• Change in the way your teeth fit when biting
• Persistent bad breath
• Any changes in a fit of partial dentures.

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