Gum Disease & Prostate Inflammation Link
The link between poor gum health and prostate problems.
Here at Abbey Road Dental, NW8 we know how important treating gum disease is, and we regularly hear about the positive effects treating gum disease can have with many different areas of health, not just oral health.
In a recent study by the Dentistry journal, findings suggested that the treatment of gum disease could contribute to the reduction of prostate inflammation. In the study, men over the age of 21 suffering from prostate inflammation and gum disease were treated for their gum disease and saw a vast improvement in the health of their gums within the 4-8 week treatment period. During this time the patients did not receive treatment for their prostate inflammation, but the symptoms of the condition improved in the majority of the patients following their gum disease treatment.
As gum disease can cause inflammation in various areas of the body, it’s no surprise treating it can help reduce those symptoms of inflammation. Gum disease has been associated with increasing a person’s risk of lung infections, pregnancy complications, rheumatoid arthritis and cardiovascular disease, although it is important to state that no evidence has been found that suggests gum disease is a direct cause of these conditions.
Treating Gum Disease
If you attend regular checkups at Abbey Road Dental in St John’s Wood, NW8 our friendly dentists and oral hygienists will be able to identify the symptoms of gum disease and provide treatment and advise you on how to keep it at bay.
Healthy gums should be firm and should never bleed when you brush them. Early symptoms of gum disease can include swelling of the gums and bleeding of the gums during brushing. If gum disease is not treated at this stage the tissues surrounding the gums and the jawbone can become affected. Symptoms of advanced gum disease may include bad breath, loose teeth and abscesses on the gums.
Treating gum disease at its early stage is relatively simple and often involves an improvement of oral hygiene habits. Improved oral hygiene habits include:
● Brushing teeth twice a day for around 2-3 minutes each time
● Using toothpaste containing fluoride
● Flossing teeth every day
● Stopping smoking
● Visiting your dentist once a year at least, or more regularly if needed
As well as advising you on improved oral hygiene habits, we may also recommend other treatments for gum disease. These may include:
● A scale and polish to remove hardened plaque and tartar
● Root planing which is a deep clean under the gums
● Periodontal surgery if the disease is advanced
Think You’re Suffering From Gum Disease? Book An Appointment At Abbey Road Dental Today.
Gum disease does not always present obvious symptoms and it isn’t always painful, so you may not be aware that you have it. Attending regular checkups at our practice will help you avoid gum disease and help you treat it quickly and effectively if you have symptoms. As with most oral health issues, the earlier it is identified and treated, the better. If you think you might have gum disease, want to check or simply want to book in with us for general appointment, please give us a call on 020 7624 1603 and we will be more than happy to help you.