An Epidemic Bigger than H1N1!

There’s an epidemic out there. It’s bigger than H1N1,
affecting nearly 75% of Americans¹. It can cause irreversible
permanent bone damage and tooth loss. And, even worse, new
research shows it can up your risk of some of today’s most dangerous
diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, stroke, osteoporosis,
respiratory disease and some forms of cancer.²

It’s gum disease – what we dentists call periodontitis or periodontal
disease – and it’s only now being recognized as the potentially life-
threatening danger that it is.

Far Worse than We Thought

Dentists have known for years that periodontal disease is a serious
infection and a leading cause of tooth loss. That’s why we remind
our patients to come in regularly for examinations and cleanings.

But even we were shocked to read some of the most recent research
on how closely tied gum disease is to other serious conditions.

Take cardiovascular disease. The American Academy of
Periodontology reports that “Researchers have found that people
with periodontal disease are almost twice as likely to suffer from
coronary artery disease as those without periodontal disease.” ³

That’s a very scary thought – particularly when you
consider that cardiovascular disease contributes to 2,400
deaths in this country EVERY DAY!⁴

Scientists have discovered a link with diabetes, too. In fact the
New York Times reports a study by Columbia University’s
Mailman School of Public Health that found that
“individuals with elevated levels of periodontal disease
were nearly twice as likely to become diabetic within
20 years, even after adjusting for age, smoking, obesity and diet.”⁵

Little or No Warning

So why haven’t you seen more about how widespread
and dangerous periodontal disease it?

Why aren’t we holding “gum disease clinics” to protect
our families the way communities across the country
came together to fight H1N1?

Basically there are two big reasons.

First, much of the research on the links between gum disease
and other conditions is new – and it’s taking time to get
the word out about what scientists have discovered. (I’m
trying to do MY part with this email.)

Second, gum disease is as sneaky as it is dangerous. You see,
in the early and even moderate stages of the disease
there are NO SYMPTOMS. So even though bone is
being destroyed and inflammation is affecting your
whole body you have no way of knowing you’re in danger.
Nothing hurts, so why should you worry?

It’s not until later in the course of the disease – AFTER
it’s done irreversible damage to the jaw bones that
hold your teeth in place – that people begin to notice
tell-tale signs like red, swollen or bleeding gums.
And, even then, some people remain symptom free.

You CAN Fight Back

Just because you haven’t seen banner headlines yet about
the epidemic of gum disease – and the very real dangers
associated with it -- doesn’t mean you can’t fight back.

Brushing and flossing right are more important than ever
but your best defense is regular checkups. Because while
YOU may not see any changes in your gums, my hygienists
and I have the training to spot problems LONG before
you’d notice them. AND long before gum disease begins
damaging the bones of your jaw, loosening your teeth
and putting your overall health is danger.

Just give our office a call at 248-433-6000 and start protecting
yourself and your family today.

Yours in Health and Happiness,
Dr. Kaz

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1.               Healthy Gums and a Healthy Heart: The Perio-Cardio Connection, Perio.org, www.perio.org/consumer/peri_cardio.htm

2.               Fallacies About Gum Disease, Perio.org, www.perio.org/consumer/fl.html

3.               Gum Disease Links to Heart Disease and Stroke, Perio.org, www.perio.org/consumer/mbc.heart.htm

4.               Healthy Gums and a Healthy Heart: The Perio-Cardio Connection, Perio.org, www.perio.org/consumer/peri_cardio.htm

5.               Gum Disease Signals Diabetes Risk, New York Times, http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/08/07/gum-disease-signals-diabetes-risk/