MERIDIAN, Idaho — Over 47% of adults ages 30 and over have some form of periodontal disease. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also report that men (56.4%), those living below the federal poverty level (65.4%), and current smokers (64.2%) are more likely to have the disease.
As technology advances and research progresses, medical professionals are starting to realize that oral health can affect overall health. According to the American Academy of Periodontology research also indicates periodontal disease increases the risk of heart disease.
“Bacteria cause some inflammatory responses whether it’s in contact with cholesterol or other things in the heart,” said Dr. Daniel Howard, owner and dentist at Meridian Smiles Dentistry.
In turn, it hardens plaque in your arteries. Dr. Howard said most people don’t realize that bleeding in the gums gives bacteria access to your bloodstream.
At Meridian Smiles Dentistry Howard and his associates are focusing on the connection between mouth and body.
“At my practice what we do is we do salivary diagnostics,” Howard said. “Which is easy you swish and spit in a tube and I get a lab report back about which of the 11 periodontal bacteria you have and how much of those some of those bacteria are much harder on your system than others.”
Following the initial test, patients then receive a comprehensive report of their results.
“At three months after we do the first as they come back for the X cleaning and will take another salivary test and we’ve actually had some reduction of up to 88% and just three months for people,” he said.
To help prevent or control periodontal disease and its effects on your health the CDC recommends brushing and flossing every day and visiting your dentist regularly.
