HAWKS PRAIRIE ORTHODONTICS

130 Marvin Road SE, Suite 111
Lacey, WA 98403. 360-464-2502

OLYMPIA ORTHODONTICS

405 Cooper Point Road, Suite 104
Olympia, WA 98502. 360-339-5273

The Hawks Prairie & Olympia Orthodontics Blog

At Hawks Prairie Orthodontics, we utilize only the best orthodontic treatment techniques. We combine state-of-the-art technology in a comfortable and caring environment to build beautiful smiles. Please use this blog and our web site to learn more about Invisalign (invisible) braces, Damon System braces, iBraces, and traditional orthodontic care.

130 Marvin Road SE, Ste 111 Lacey, WA 98503 | 405 Cooper Point Road, Suite 104, Olympia, WA 98502

Thursday, April 1, 2010

Ask Dr. Ehrmantrout: How do my gums affect my heart?

Believe it or not, an estimated 80 percent of American adults currently have some form of gum disease. Periodontal diseases range from simple gum inflammation to serious disease that result in major damage to the soft tissue and bone that support the teeth. In gingivitis, the milder form of gum disease, infection leads to chronic inflammation—gums are swollen, red, and sometimes bleeding. In the worst cases, teeth are lost.

We know that gum disease is a threat to your oral health, but research is also pointing to health effects of periodontal diseases that go well beyond your mouth. Recently, our staff at Hawks Prairie Orthodontics read an article that reported a study that indicated an association between gum disease and heart disease.

In a recent report published in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology, researchers found that the more severe the gum disease, the thicker and harder the walls of your arteries. We encourage you to check out the article for tips on how to improve your overall oral health. If you have any questions, please give us a call and we'll answer any concerns you may have!

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