Wednesday 11 March 2015

POOR DENTAL CARE AND GUM DISEASE ARE SERIOUS HEALTH RISK

    Plaque constantly forms on the teeth from food and drinks, especially from starchy and sugary diet. Plaque contains bacteria, which with poor dental hygiene mixes up with the sugar and starch from foods and drinks to form acids. The acid formed irritates the gums and causes them to become red, swollen and tender. It also causes the gum to bleed easily. If these plaques are not properly removed everyday, they harden to form tartar or calculus around the neck of the teeth. The tissues that attached the gums to the teeth becomes destroyed by the irritants from the plaque. The gums begin to pull away from the teeth and create small pockets which eventually gets filled with plaques. It results in tooth loss and chronic infection that can enter the blood stream.
    When the infection from plaque gets to the blood stream , it can lead to further infection and inflammation of the heart's lining, valves and arteries. Severe gum disease can also lead to an increase in blood sugar levels, increasing the risk of diabetes. Infected gums can cause respiratory diseases like bronchitis, pneumonia and emphysema in especially the elderly. The infection can spread to other parts of the body and cause serious health problems.
    If you suspect that you or any of your family members have gum disease or are experiencing symptoms of gum disease see you doctor and dentist as soon as you can.
          
Gum disease is a serious health problem that can be easily prevented and treated.

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