How Does Your Gum Health Affect Your Overall Health?
When people think of staying healthy, they usually focus on eating right, exercising, and getting enough sleep. But did you know that your gum health can impact your systemic health and overall well-being? At Berry Family Dentistry, we emphasize the importance of periodontal care to keep your gums as healthy as possible, enhancing your health and your quality of life.
What Is Periodontal Disease?
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a chronic, progressive condition that affects the gums, connectiv tissue, and bone that hold your teeth firmly in place. It usually results from plaque and tartar buildup along the gumline, which causes irritation and leads to inflammation.
Gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease, is characterized by red, puffy, and inflamed gums that may bleed. Without treatment, the condition can gradually worsen over time, leading to the gums pulling away from the teeth and creating spaces known as periodontal pockets. These pockets tend to trap plaque and food particles, providing harmful bacteria with the ideal environment to flourish.
As the condition progresses to periodontitis, the inflammation and infection can lead to bone loss and slowly damage the structures that support your teeth, resulting in tooth mobility (loose teeth) and, eventually, tooth loss.
Common signs of gum disease include:
- Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
- Swollen, tender, or receding gums
- Persistent bad breath
- Loose or shifting teeth
What Is the Mouth-Body Connection?
Your mouth is interconnected with your body, with your gum health impacting your overall health. Left untreated, gum disease can lead to inflammation and infection that can enter the bloodstream and travel to other parts of the body, including the heart. These harmful bacteria can cause inflammation of the blood vessels, elevating your risk of heart problems and cardiovascular disease.
Gum disease has also been linked to systemic conditions, including diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and respiratory infections, such as pneumonia. The chronic inflammation can also increase the risk of rheumatoid arthritis and certain cancers. In addition, a connection has been shown between gum disease and serious pregnancy complications, including premature birth and low birth weight. Keeping your gums healthy can support better overall health and wellness.
How Can You Maintain Healthy Gums?
The following are some of the best ways to keep your gums healthy:
- Brush your teeth thoroughly at least twice a day to remove plaque, which is the leading cause of gum disease.
- Floss daily to remove plaque and food particles from those hard-to-reach areas between your teeth.
- Maintain a balanced, healthy diet to provide your gums with the nutrients they need to stay healthy.
- Visit Berry Family Dentistry for your twice-yearly dental exams and cleanings.
But what happens if we see signs of periodontal disease? The first line of defense against periodontal disease is a deep dental cleaning procedure known as scaling and root planing (SRP). Our dental hygienist will remove plaque and tartar from along and below your gum line and smooth your tooth root surfaces to help your gums heal and reattach. SRP has been shown to prevent the inflammation or infection from progressing, helping maintain your gum health and keeping your teeth intact.
After treatment, we may recommend periodontal maintenance visits every 3-4 months. During your visits, we will professionally clean your teeth and evaluate your gums, helping keep them as healthy as possible.
Gum Disease Care Near Me in Wylie, TX
Contact Berry Family Dentistry to learn more about maintaining your gum health. From preventive care to gum disease care and ongoing monitoring and support, we strive to enhance your smile and overall health. Our dedicated team is committed to providing you with a top-tier patient experience at every step. We invite you to call (972) 442-0078 to schedule your appointment today.