GUM disease affects more than your oral health. Chronic gingivitis is linked to other more serious problems.
Do you ever find your toothbrush bristles are pink after brushing? When you spit out the toothpaste foam, is it tinged with pink or even streaked with blood?
Are your gums swollen, red or tender, and do they bleed easily? If you’ve answered yes to any of these questions, it could be that you have a degree of gingivitis or gum disease.
If so, you’re not alone; it is estimated that, worldwide, up to 80 per cent of people have some form of periodontal disease.
Gingivitis is thought to begin in early childhood, with an estimated nine to 17 per cent of children aged three to 11, and around 70 to 90 per cent of teenagers, affected.
Mild or early gum disease often goes unidentified since there may be few or no symptoms, and early warning signs, like gums that bleed easily with brushing or flossing, may simply be ignored.
It is important to recognise gingivitis early and manage it appropriately, since progression to more serious disease can result in irreversible damage.
In addition, it is now recognised that chronic gingivitis may be linked to other serious health conditions, including cardiovascular disease, heart attacks and strokes, as well as preterm birth and low birth weight, and possibly diabetes and kidney disease.
Full Article:
http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,22736161-5006012,00.html
