Fifty percent of US adults over 30 years of age actually have an advanced form of gum disease. Gum disease (also known as Periodontis) happens when food debris accumulate on the surface of the teeth and forms dental plaque. This sticky film attaches to your teeth gradually, and can be easily prevented by brushing your teeth twice a day and using dental floss.
Periodontitis is a serious dental issue. It is caused by harmful bacteria that infects and damages the bones of the mouth under the gumline. If it’s left unchecked, gum disease can cause serious complications in the body, so it's very important to have a North Suburban oral surgeon do a deep cleaning.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, and it’s one of the condition you are at a higher risk to develop when you have gum disease. Untreated gum disease increases the risks of developing heart disease by up to three times. According to the American Heart Association, gum disease is a possible risk factor for developing heart disease as it leads to chronic inflammation in the body.
Some people may also be at a higher risk of developing some types of cancer, if they suffer from gum disease. Patients that have advanced gum disease are about 25% more likely to develop cancer compared to those that have healthier gums. A patient that has severe periodontal disease will specifically have doubled their risk of developing lung cancer, if their condition remains untreated.
