What Medical Issues May Be Related to Periodontal Disease?
Did you know that gum disease isn't only bad news for your gums and teeth, but may also indicate severe health issues in another area of the body? Good dental well-being is an important aspect of maintaining excellent comprehensive health and well-being. In addition to regular brushing and flossing, preventive dental cleanings help to sustain healthy teeth and gums. At Made Ya Smile, general dentist Michael L. Kesner, D.D.S. and our expertly trained team provide preventive, cosmetic, and restorative oral services for patients in the Houston, TX region. Read on to find out the link between gum disease and overall wellness, and the importance of regular dental treatments.
What is gum disease?
Gum disease is an infection in the soft tissue and gums that uphold the teeth, primarily caused by plaque buildup. It could only affect particular teeth and develop into stages without discomfort, but the disease is not wholly free of noticeable symptoms. The signs of gum disease are:
- Loose or moving teeth
- Visibly swollen or uncomfortable gums
- Sustained halitosis or unpleasant taste in the mouth
- Formation of large pockets between the teeth and gums
- Gum recession
- Bleeding gums during or after brushing your teeth
- Alterations in occlusion or bite
Is periodontal disease connected to other medical conditions?
In the first phases, gingivitis or plaque buildup could cause the gumline to bleed during brushing or flossing. In the event that it is not addressed in time, it can evolve into periodontal disease. Researchers suspect that gum bacteria linked to gum disease may move though the circulatory system and gradually injure blood vessels within the brain and heart, linking this oral condition to different health issues, including:
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Diabetes
- Stroke or heart attack
- Cardiovascular disease
Can I avoid poor oral health and gum disease?
It's important to understand that oral hygiene practices and professional teeth cleanings help to decrease the likelihood of health problems, like cardiovascular disease. We suggest teeth brushing twice a day with toothpaste containing fluoride for a minimum of a couple of minutes, as well as flossing daily, in addition to dental checkups two times annually. Professional dental cleanings involve utilizing specialized utensils to adequately rid plaque and tartar accumulation to diminish periodontal disease development. By obtaining a dental cleaning and checkup two times per year at Made Ya Smile, Houston, TX patients can possibly steer clear of needing more complex restorative or general dentistry care, such as fillings, root canals, tooth removal, and periodontal disease treatments.
Discover more about periodontal disease procedures
Inadequate dental health can impact your general health, as gingivitis and periodontitis are connected to various different health problems. You can improve the aesthetic of your smile, diminish the chance of gum disease, and improve poor oral health with standard oral cleanings and checkups. Dr. Kesner and the skilled professionals at Made Ya Smile in Houston, TX are proud to perform numerous dental services to help patients obtain better oral wellness. To find out more about gum disease and related health conditions, please contact our office to schedule an exam with Dr. Kesner.