Trusted Dentist In Kirkland, Wa Can Protect Your Teeth And Overall Health

By Author: Gus Eckles
Total Articles: 3
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The American Dental Association reported that in 2007 each American spent only about $315 on dental care, which represents a paltry 4.3% of total health care spending. The main reason for this scrimping seems to be the high cost of dental care. In a 2009 Harris Interactive/Healthday poll, it was revealed that 50% of those without medical insurance—and almost one-third of those who did—did not go to a dentist even for necessary treatments due to the cost.

However, as any trusted dentist in Kirkland, WA will tell you, proper dental care is not only important for your teeth but also to your overall health. A new risk factor that doctors are studying more closely are swollen gums, which could lead to complications called periodontitis. Periodontitis occurs when a layer of bacteria develops in your teeth and releases harmful by-products that alert your immune system, whose response is to induce swelling in and around the gums. This swelling is now being linked to a host of serious and unexpected conditions.

HEART DISEASE
Studies show that up to 91% of people with heart ...
... diseases have periodontitis (compared to just 61% of those who don't). It's assumed that inflammation of the gums also causes swelling of the blood vessels, which restricts blood flow and raises blood pressure. Periodontitis may also cause endocarditis, a condition wherein bacteria from other body parts (like the mouth) travel through the bloodstream and infect the heart's inner lining.

COMPLICATIONS TO DIABETES
Swollen gums may hamper the body's ability to control blood sugar, making it harder for diabetics to process glucose in the body since they can't produce enough insulin. In turn, high blood sugar is conducive to infections like periodontitis, a vicious cycle of ailments, indeed. Ironically, diabetes and periodontitis adversely complement each other.

HARDER CONCEPTION AND PREMATURE BIRTH
According to research by the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology, women with gum diseases took, on average, seven months to get pregnant while those with healthy gums take just five. In a separate study by the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology, it was revealed that women with periodontal disease who used an anti-microbial mouth rinse were less likely to give birth prematurely. In both studies, inflammation from gum disease were possible reasons for delayed conception and premature births.

While dental care is often overlooked by people, ignoring it can bring serious problems down the line. Fortunately, reputable Kirkland dentists will offer reasonable payment plans—like CreditCare—so you can seek dental attention when you need it without worrying about the cost. For more information, visit slate.com/articles/life/the_american_way_of_dentistry/2009/09/the_american_way_of_dentistry_2.html