Gum disease threatens not only the smile but overall health, too. Since the body is connected through a system of nerves and blood vessels, gingivitis and advanced periodontitis can threaten the circulatory system if left alone. Here’s what you need to know about gum disease and how to protect the rest of your body as well as your smile.
Understanding Gingivitis and Periodontitis
Gum disease is bacteria, plaque, and tartar reaching below the gum line and causing inflammation to surrounding structures. When this occurs, it weakens oral health and leads to several symptoms: gums bleed, patients experience pain, and it becomes difficult to perform normal activities in usual comfort. If left untreated, gum disease will eventually lead to tooth loss.
As another side effect of this periodontal complication, bacteria that have penetrated below the gum line has a direct route to the rest of the body via blood vessels and nerves connecting to the mouth. Pathogens soon travel to the heart and invade other parts of the body, leading to issues like heart disease and Alzheimer’s. It can also complicate preexisting conditions, such as diabetes, making it difficult to maintain blood sugar levels and keep the body healthy. As a result, the body’s immune system is threatened and patients have a difficult time recovering from both their systemic and oral health issues.
How Do I Prevent Gum Disease?
Keeping your oral environment clean and healthy will greatly improve your chances of defending against harmful bacteria that cause gum disease. That means brushing twice daily and flossing at least once a day. Rinsing with non-alcoholic mouthwash neutralizes bacteria and prevents gingivitis from forming. Also, visiting the dentist at least once every six months allows for a professional cleaning to take place, eliminating tartar and plaque buildup before it can get out of control.
The Benefits of Treatment
Those with existing gum disease can seek treatment and reverse its effect on health. A patient can receive scaling a root planing, an advanced cleaning procedure involving removal of tartar build up below the gum line and smoothing of the tooth’s surface. Patients that undergo this treatment soon experience gum reattachment following a healthy oral environment clear of bacteria.
Scaling and root planing greatly improves a patient’s health by removing the source of bacteria and restoring their dental and overall health.
Learn More
Find out more information by calling our office and scheduling a consultation. Drs. Dennis VanMeter and Hubbell Williams are experienced in offering periodontal maintenance and care. We’re devoted to helping patients reach a healthy, beautiful smile to last a lifetime.