Allen Nazeri DDS on Subject of Gum Disease

Gum disease puts you at risk of tooth loss. But did you know it can also lead to serious health problems like heart attacks and strokes? It's a very real threat, recently uncovered through various studies that lie just below the surface of the gums. It's widely accepted that smoking cigarettes leads to serious problems. Heart attacks, chronic lung conditions, even stroke. But news that bad gums can do the same thing is a bit concerning.

Bacteria in our mouth actually affects the entire body.

Shannon Collins is a registered dental hygienist at Cornerstone Dentistry in Palm Desert. She says ongoing research shows untreated periodontal or gum disease leads to massive amounts of bacteria that form in the pockets between the gum and teeth. That bacteria are picked up into the bloodstream and spread to core areas of the body.

That bacteria is found in arteries around the heart that can lead to stroke and heart attacks.

In fact, the risk is quite severe. 40% of bacteria found in the carotid arteries which lead to the brain are from the mouth. Periodontal disease could be as strong. A risk factor for heart disease is smoking cigarettes and diabetics with gum disease are three times more likely to have heart attacks than those without gum disease. And there's more.

The bacteria in plaque are linked to diseases such as chronic pulmonary lung disease as well.

But how do you know if you're at risk? A regular dental exam probably will not detect gum disease. Shannon Collins says a watchful eye for common warning signs like red or bleeding gums is helpful but not foolproof.

Unless it's being actively looked for. Periodontal disease can completely go undetected. A thorough periodontal examination by a hygienist needs to be completed.

If periodontal disease is found, it can be reversed with a special cleaning under the gum line. And that is YOUR health with your stories on youn Station. I'm Jennifer Daniels, CBS2.