Gregory J. Daniels DDS provides cosmetic and general dentistry services to patients in the western suburbs of Chicago, Ill. With more than 30 years of experience, Gregory J. Daniels DDS has treated some of the most severe forms of oral diseases, including gum disease. According to Gregory J. Daniels DDS, recent studies have pointed to a potential link between gum disease and obesity.

Obesity is a health crisis in America, explains Gregory J. Daniels DDS. The CDC reports that more than 34 percent of the adult U.S. population is obese, with another 33 percent listed as overweight. Shockingly, the CDC also reveals that 19 percent of 6- to 11-year-olds are obese, and 18 percent of 12- to 19-year-olds are obese, confirms Gregory J. Daniels DDS. For some time, says Gregory J. Daniels DDS, obesity has been linked to numerous inflammatory diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes and arthritis. Only in the last several years has a connection between obesity and gum disease been explored.

Gregory J. Daniels DDS, expounds that people who are obese produce high levels of cytokines, which are proteins with inflammatory properties. Gum disease begins simply as inflammation of the gums and can progress to more severe degeneration of the soft tissue and bone structures that support the teeth, explains Gregory J. Daniels DDS. Additionally, says Gregory J. Daniels DDS, the increased inflammation caused by cytokines may also decrease blood flow to the gums and accelerate the disease in some patients. Gregory J. Daniels, DDS, also cautions that gum disease produces its own cytokines that can cause more inflammatory diseases throughout the body. Obesity and gum disease can set off a terrible chain reaction of disease if not caught and treated, says Gregory J. Daniels DDS.

In a 2013 General Dentistry article, obesity was called out as a risk factor for gum disease, confirms Gregory J. Daniels DDS. Obesity can now be added to the long list of risk factors for gum disease, which include smoking, chewing tobacco, poor oral health, broken teeth, diabetes, and more. While research has revealed a potential link between obesity and gum disease, says Gregory J. Daniels, DDS, research has not proven one disease causes the other.

While severe gum disease can prove disastrous for some, many patients are able to slow or stop gum disease in its tracks, confirms Gregory J. Daniels DDS. Maintaining good oral hygiene is one of the easiest and best ways to avoid gum disease. Eating healthy and staying away from candy and sugary drinks are also important. If signs of gum disease are present, visit a dentist and work out a treatment plan right away, encourages Gregory J. Daniels DDS.

Gregory J. Daniels, DDS, received his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from Northwestern University Dental School and has been practicing for more than 30 years. With his team, Gregory J. Daniels DDS, provides cosmetic, preventive and restorative dentistry to adults and children. In his free time, Gregory J. Daniels, DDS, devotes himself to his wife, grown children, and two adorable dogs. To learn more about Gregory J. Daniels DDS, and his services, visit hinsdaledentist.com.