Watch this video as Whoopie Goldberg Talks About Gum Disease on The View.
Gum disease or periodontal disease is a bacterial infection that causes loss of bone support surrounding the teeth. The primary etiology consist of certain species of bacteria, while secondary factors include genetics, hormones, medications, smoking, alcohol, stress, diabetes, obesity, poor oral hygiene, dry mouth, and poor diet.
Facts About Periodontal Disease:
There are over 700 known bacteria found in the mouth…only 13 are associated with periodontal disease.
Periodontal bacteria double every five hours!
Diabetics develop periodontal disease 3-4x more often than non-diabetics.
Patients with periodontal disease have a:
700% greater risk of heart disease
50% greater risk for fatal heart attack
300% greater risk for stroke
700% greater risk for pre-term birth
Greater risk for oral cancer and pancreatic cancer
Higher chance of organ transplant failure and rheumatoid arthritis
Related Articles:
The Link Between the Mouth and the Body
7 Tips for Handling Dental Emergencies
What Every Mom Should Know About Pregnancy and Oral Health
Related Links: