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Asthma found to increase the likelihood of gum disease by a fifth

Asthma sufferers are at a much higher risk of developing gum disease, according to new research. The study, which looked at 21 papers published between 1979 and 2017, analysed the relationship between asthma and oral health, with the most recent results from 2017 confirming that people with asthma were almost one-fifth (18.8%) more likely to suffer from periodontitis (gum disease).
The Oral Health Foundation is encouraging asthma sufferers to ensure that they pay close attention to their oral health in order reduce their risk of developing gum disease.
Dr Nigel Carter OBE, CEO of the Oral Health Foundation said: “We have known for some time that there are close links between oral health and systemic disease, such as heart disease and diabetes.

“The good news is that avoiding gum disease can be as simple as brushing your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, using interdental brushes daily and regular visits to the dentist. While gum disease can be treated very effectively, the best approach is certainly prevention.
“When not caught and treated early enough, gum disease can lead to tooth loss and further oral health complications.
“We are encouraging anybody who suffers from asthma to be especially alert to the early signs of gum disease, which include red inflamed gums, bleeding when brushing your teeth and persistent bad breath, and ensure that you visit your dentist as soon as possible to get checked out and avoid any further problems”.
The findings were published in the Journal of Periodontology.

 

From: https://www.dentalhealth.org/news/details/976.

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