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Plaza Dental Group: 1089 Jordan Creek Pkwy #100, West Des Moines, IA 50266

Gum Disease and Other Ailments: What Is the Common Connection?


Researchers have explored the link between gum disease and health complications. Gum disease, the inflammation of the gums, starts when dental plaque builds around teeth. There are over 1000 bacteria in dental plaque, which, if left to breed, can cause cavities, gingivitis, and periodontal disease. Periodontal disease, in turn, can cause health complications, such as:

Blood Vessel Disease

A different type of plaque, made of cholesterol, calcium, fat, and other blood substances, can build up inside arteries, known as atherosclerosis. This fatty plaque can cause coronary artery disease, narrowing or limiting blood flow to the heart. 

Heart Attacks 

People with gum disease are 2 to 3 times more likely to have a heart attack and other serious cardiovascular diseases. Not everyone with gum disease has heart problems, and many people with heart disease have healthy gums.

Periodontal disease, the inflammation in the gums and bacteria, can cause narrowing of essential arteries, increasing heart disease risk. To date, there is no evidence that treating gum disease will prevent heart disease and its complications, but the link between the two conditions is compelling enough. 

Practicing good oral hygiene such as brushing twice and flossing once a day can reverse an early stage of gum disease, known as gingivitis. Untreated gingivitis can lead to periodontal disease, causing receding gums and eventually make the tooth loosen and fall out.

Stroke

The research abstracts given at the American Stroke Association’s International Stroke Conference prove that periodontal disease heightens the threat of strokes. This is a result of the hardening of the brain’s large arteries and severe asymptomatic artery blockages.

 

The research found that:

  • The risk of having a stroke relating to blood vessels in the back of the brain that controls coordination, vision, and other vital bodily functions was tripled in people with gum disease as compared to those without it.  
  • The threat of having moderately acute narrowed brain arteries caused due to plaque buildup was doubled in people with gingivitis or gum inflammation than those without gum disease.
  • The risk of having severely blocked brain arteries was 2.4 times more in people with gingivitis as compared to those without it.

Research states that people with gum disease had a higher risk of stroke due to intracranial atherosclerosis than those without gum disease. The research concluded that gum disease treatment could reduce your risk of developing stroke by improving control over its risk factors such as diabetes, cholesterol, and high blood pressure. 

Alzheimer‘s Disease

Research has found that people aged over 70 with chronic gum disease were 70% more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease than those without periodontitis. The study concluded that chronic periodontitis might play a crucial role in developing Alzheimer’s disease. Therefore, it is essential to prevent the progression of periodontal disease to maintain your physical health. Lately, studies have also connected periodontal disease to a reduction in cognitive ability.

Poor oral hygiene is the major risk factor for periodontal disease. Schedule an appointment with our dentist in West Des Moines to learn more about what you can do to practice good oral hygiene. Our periodontist can help you identify early signs of gum disease and treat them accordingly.

 

Plaza Dental Group

Plaza Dental Group is a leading group of dentists in Des Moines, IA that provides high-quality dentistry in a comfortable and stress-free environment. We have a team of caring and highly-skilled professionals that uses state-of-the-art technology and delivers excellent service to the patients. Request an appointment today!

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4.6
Based on 448 reviews
I’ve received excellent, courteous care. Very professional staff who function well as a team. If never had a more pleasant experience at a dental office. Lacey is excellent. I can highly recommend them.
Loren Fligg
Loren Fligg
This dental office is great! Everyone is comforting and easy to talk with! My hygienist was super! My next visit will be at the new location in urbandale, Iowa!!
Judd Bristow
Judd Bristow
Dr. Ryan Langel has given me a new lease on life with the amazing transformation he has made on my teeth. He really is a magician and such a perfectionist. My top teeth were discolored and weak from years of use. Being older, I doubted if I could ever have strong, white teeth and a vibrant smile again. I now have a very beautiful smile and am so grateful to Dr. Langel and his stuff. And the process was painless and quick. Thank you, Plaza Dentistry.read more
Robert Thomson
Robert Thomson
I have been going to Dr. Dietrich and Talia my hygenist for a few years now and I feel so comfortable with them. Great care and service. I highly recommend them. Thank you. Maria T P
MT Pa
MT Pa
Dr Odland is the best dentist in iowa. Susie has really helped me with my dental issues. She is great and caring. Dr Langel is doing a great job just like dr odland.
Darlene Raedeker
Darlene Raedeker
Dr Dietrich and Karly are a wonderful team!! Prompt..professional and do amazing work!! They made me so happy with my temps..cant wait to see my permanent teeth!!Had my last appointment today..if you are looking for a cosmetic dentist..look no further!! Dr Dietrick is the best!! Professional and meticulous yet fun and personable..I love my veneers! She changed my smile and my life!! If you are thinking about getting any work done go get a free consultation!! You won't regret it☺️read more
Valerie Williams
Valerie Williams
Everyone I've dealt in the office are friendly, knowledgeable, and they explained everything very well. The atmosphere was very relaxed. Definitely recommend!
Allie Whitver
Allie Whitver
Came in for my regular cleaning and X-rays and was so happy to see Bekka again! She brightened up my smile when I asked about my coffee stains and was just as happy as I was💓. I love Plaza Dental and the dentists I’ve had exam and work on my teeth are just as caring, kind and helpful. I wouldn’t go anywhere else.read more
Kathy Marek
Kathy Marek
I am always happy to see my regular Hygienist, Talia and Dentist, Dr.Dietrich. Talia is my most favorite person in Plaza dental group👍💕
Lulu
Lulu
I have had three different hygienists at this office and they were all wonderful! My doctor left and now I am seeing Dr. Jones and he seems quite knowledgeable. I find him super nice!
Betty Baum-Ferree
Betty Baum-Ferree

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1089 Jordan Creek Parkway, Suite 100, West Des Moines, IA 50266

Opening Hours

  • Mon - Wed 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

  • Thursday 8:00 am - 3:00 pm
  • Friday 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
  • Sat - Sun Closed

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