Gum disease is one of the greatest dental health threats to the majority of adults in the United States; the leading cause of permanent tooth loss; and a significant risk factor in systemic diseases involving unchecked inflammation. Since the damage it causes is typically irreversible, preventing gum disease is the best way to protect your oral and overall health. Fortunately, the most effective ways to prevent gum disease often involve little more than practicing good hygiene and identifying symptoms that could indicate trouble.
What Gum Disease Could Cost You
Gum disease can also be considered an infection, or at least the result of one, that begins with bacteria building up along your gum line. Over time, the germs infect your gum tissues and cause them to swell by manipulating your immune system, which controls tissue inflammation. Left untreated, inflammation and bacterial infection destroy your gum tissues, progressing into the jawbone underneath and eroding the structures that support your teeth.
In some cases, the germs responsible for gum inflammation can pass into your bloodstream when diseased gums bleed. According to a wide body of research, the inflammation that gum disease bacteria incite makes the condition a risk factor for chronic inflammatory conditions like;
- Heart disease and stroke
- Heart attack and failure
- Diabetes
- Dementia (including Alzheimer’s disease)
- And more
How to Prevent and Defeat Gum Disease
One of the best ways to prevent gum disease is to keep oral bacteria under control. In addition to brushing and flossing your teeth at least twice every day, this also includes visiting your dentist for routine dental checkups and cleanings as often as recommended (depending on the condition of your dental health). However, if you notice signs of gingivitis, or developing gum disease, then schedule a visit as soon as possible, even if it isn’t time for a routine checkup. Symptoms of gum disease and gingivitis often include (but are not limited to);
- Darkened gum tissues
- Receding gums (the tissue pulls away from your teeth, making your teeth appear longer)
- Bleeding gums when you brush your teeth, or when you bite and chew your food
- Increasingly, and persistently, bad breath, or halitosis
- Loose teeth
- Swelling and redness in your gum tissue
ABOUT YOUR CELINA FAMILY DENTIST:
To learn more, schedule an appointment with Dr. Newton at Celina Family Dentistry by calling (214) 851-0130. Located in the 75009 area, we serve patients of all ages from Celina, Prosper, McKinney, Frisco, Anna, Pilot Point, and the surrounding areas.
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