Taking care of your gums not only affect oral health, but it has effects on your overall health. Specifically, 8 to 9 out of 10 people over age 35 have gingivitis or periodontitis. Periodontitis is the main cause of tooth loss in adults, and about 51% of the Spanish population is unaware of these diseases.

Periodontitis is a severe inflammation of the gums produced by the immune system in response to the presence of bacteria in the gingival groove, which is the space between the gum and the tooth. This natural reaction has consequences in the mouth and also in the rest of the body. The most visible effect is the bone loss around the teeth, leading to the tooth loss. However, the presence of bacteria and their toxins in the blood vessels and the circulation of inflammatory mediators through the blood can affect other organs of the body.

The scientific evidence in recent decades shows that patients with advanced periodontitis have a higher risk of suffering from other very important systemic diseases, such as acute myocardial infarction, diabetes or aspiration pneumonia. It also increases the chances that pregnant women will have premature birth. Recently, associations have also been shown with high blood pressure, Alzheimer’s disease and even some types of cancer.

For this reason, the periodontitis prevention is essential, which can be performed in a simple way. It should include good oral hygiene twice a day to remove oral bacterial plaque by brushing your teeth well, and as well as using dental floss and interdental brushes.

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