The public and scientific communities have been flooded with articles about the relationship between oral health and our whole body health. These often cite the process of inflammation.
Inflammation is the body’s response to cellular injury. It’s a protective response. It helps us recover from trauma and deal with infection from bacteria and viruses. That means the state of our oral health can be a window into our overall health.
In fact, a recent study revealed that postmenopausal women with gum disease were 14% percent more likely to develop cancer than those with healthy teeth and gums.
Gum disease is caused by sticky, bacteria-laden plaque that forms on teeth. Swollen gums that bleed easily indicate inflammation is present. If plaque is not regularly removed, it can progress to periodontal disease. With time, the body’s immune reaction can compromise the supporting bone structures. This can lead to tooth loss.
