Oral hygiene is not only important in maintaining good oral health, but good physical health, as well. If you do have gum disease and are afraid of a painful surgery, Dr. Robert Franklin can perform a minimally invasive gum surgery alternative in Elizabethtown, KY. Many people are unaware of the link between gum disease and other systemic illnesses throughout the body. Here are a few examples:
Heart Disease
Practicing good oral hygiene can help reduce your risk of heart disease. When bacteria are able to enter the bloodstream through inflamed gum tissues, they can circulate through the body and spread infection to other areas. In some cases, a clot forming protein may be deposited throughout the bloodstream and increase your risk of heart disease.
Memory
Good oral hygiene can also reduce your risk of impaired memory. A recently published study concluded that adults with gum disease were more likely to show impairment in tests of memory and cognitive skills. It was also shown that these same adults had a decreased ability in areas of subtraction and verbal recall.
Diabetes
Some experts have been able to find a link between diabetes and gum disease, which suggests that gum disease can hinder the ability of our bodies to regulate blood sugar levels. This means that maintaining good oral hygiene can help to protect your health by aiding in the control of diabetes.
Low Birth Weight Infants
Maintaining good oral hygiene may also reduce the risk of premature birth. Recent studies have suggested that one in every eight expectant mothers with gum disease can deliver their babies prematurely. This means that good oral health not only benefits you, but your child as well.
Preventing and Treating Gum Disease
To prevent gum disease from affecting your life, it is important to practice good oral hygiene daily and get treatment as soon as possible. Even if you are averse to complicated and painful surgeries, you can still receive a laser gum surgery alternative in Elizabethtown, KY. Contact Dr. Franklin to schedule your consultation today!