It was not until recently that healthcare professionals started to take the mouth-body connection seriously. Thanks to extensive research, it is clear that what goes on within the body affects the mouth and vice versa—what goes on within the mouth affects the body. One link that healthcare professionals are particularly interested in is the link between gum disease and stroke.
New Findings Strengthen Link Between Periodontal Disease and Stroke
New findings reveal that gum disease may be an independent risk factor of heart disease. This is huge, as periodontal disease is something that can be controlled. In controlling periodontal disease, we may begin to reduce the number of stroke incidences nationwide.
The findings also suggest that routine dental care is key in preventing gum conditions, as participants who received regular dental care had a lower stroke risk than those who skipped their annual visits. Additionally, those with advanced stages of periodontal disease demonstrated an increased risk for stroke.
Get Your Gum Disease Under Control
If you have any signs or symptoms of gingivitis, visit your periodontist right away. Dr. Leo Tokarczyk and his team in Springfield, MO offer numerous ways to treat gum disease, including:
- Prophylaxis
- Osseous Surgery
- Gum Grafting
- Scaling and Root Planing
- Guided Bone and Tissue Regeneration
- LANAP® Laser Gum Surgery
If you are a candidate, LANAP® laser gum surgery may be the best treatment option for you. The procedure is minimally invasive, results in minimal bleeding and requires fewer office visits—meaning it is cost-effective. Additionally, unlike gum grafting or surgery, the healing time is relatively short and painless.
Contact Your Periodontist
Dr. Tokarczyk will do everything in his power to ensure that your appointment is comfortable with a personalized plan suited to your individual needs. Contact his office in Springfield, MO today to explore your options and schedule your consultation.