Visiting the dentist regularly will not only help keep your teeth and mouth healthy, but will be beneficial for the rest of your body. Studies shown that there is an association between gum diseases and other chronic inflammatory conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer’s disease. Therefore, treating inflammation in your gums also help with the management of other serious medical conditions. Regular dental visit/cleaning is especially important if you:
- Have heart disease, diabetes, respiratory disease or osteoporosis, or are thinking of becoming pregnant- gum disease is linked to low birth weight and premature labor.
- Have a family member with gum disease. Research suggests that the bacteria that cause periodontal disease can pass through saliva. This means the common contact of saliva in families puts children and couples at risk for contracting the gum disease of another family member.
- Have a sore or irritation in your mouth that does not get better within two weeks