Periodontal disease causes inflammation and infection of your gums and the bones in your mouth. And we’ve known for a while that it increases the risk for Type 2 diabetes for the 50% of men and 33% of women who suffer from it.
But the risks to your good health don't stop there.
A new study published in the journal Neurology Open Access confirms — and expands — on what we wrote about in 1999, when we explained the science that showed periodontal disease was linked to body-wide small blood vessel disease.
The current study additionally reveals that the condition increases the risk for damage to deep brain structures that rely on these vessels for blood supply, and to the brain's white matter (tissue that contains neurons and transmits information), increasing the chance you'll develop dementia or have a stroke.
Smoking, poor nutrition, insufficient dental care (you're not flossing or getting your teeth cleaned regularly), and stress contribute to the risk of developing periodontal disease.
If your gums are swollen or bleed, it hurts to chew, or you have loose teeth, see a dentist. You may need tooth scaling for deep cleaning, medicine placed under affected gums, or even surgery to prevent further bone loss, regenerate lost bone, and protect damaged roots.
For more information on how interconnected body systems, such as your oral environment and cardiovascular network, can affect your health and longevity, explore the new discoveries explained in my book, "The Great Age Reboot."