Inflammation is your healthy body’s response to illness or injury. Your immune system sends in white cells to heat up the site and burn out the enemy. Temporary pain and swelling result—but healing soon begins.
Chronic inflammation (CI) is the classic sign of an autoimmune disease, which can affect almost any part of your body—heart, skin, digestive tract and more.
Sometimes our immune system sends in the troops without a problem in sight, making war on healthy tissue. Your mouth can be a target, and sore or bleeding gums are your first clue of CI. Periodontal disease should be treated as soon as it’s detected to reduce your risk of more serious health issues.
You may be able to reduce CI:
- Brush and floss twice daily.
- Stop smoking.
- Replace sugars, refined starches, and processed foods in your diet with fresh fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants, whole foods high in fiber, and healthy fats such as nuts, avocado and fish.
- Control your blood pressure.
- Exercise regularly.
- Lose weight.
Treat periodontal disease in its early stage—it can be the warning sign of more serious undetected health issues.
