February is Valentine’s Day month, but it also happens to be American Heart Month, which is a good time to explore the connection between your heart and your smile. Most people do not realize that gum disease raises your risk of heart disease. It’s true. Recent research shows that if you suffer from periodontal disease, you are more likely to suffer from a host of systemic illnesses, like heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and respiratory illness. Test your risk for gum disease with the following quiz from Dr. Thomas A. Bissell, our periodontist in Chester, NJ.

Are You at Risk for Periodontal Disease?

Answer the following yes or no questions:
I brush my teeth at least twice a day.
I floss my teeth a minimum of once per day.
I schedule professional teeth cleanings with my hygienist every six months.
I am a non-smoker.
I have never been diagnosed with periodontal disease before.
My teeth bleed when I brush them.
My gum tissue is shrinking and my teeth look longer.
One or more of my teeth feel loose.
I am pregnant.
I have been diagnosed with diabetes.
How Did You Do?

Questions one through five are habits associated with a healthy mouth. If you answered yes to these, keep up the good work! Your risk of developing gum disease is very low. Good oral hygiene and professional treatments are critical to oral and overall health.

Questions six through 10 represent high risk factors associated with gum disease. If you answered yes to even one of these statements, you should make an appointment with your periodontist in Chester, NJ, to evaluate your oral health. Bleeding gums, loose teeth, and receding gum lines are all symptoms of periodontal disease. The fluctuating hormones of pregnancy and/or uncontrolled diabetes are both common causes of periodontal disease.

To determine whether you need treatment, contact our office to schedule a consultation with Dr. Bissell. He offers a wide range of services for gum disease, from non-surgical methods to advanced laser surgery. Call to schedule a visit today.