According to the American Academy of Periodontology, periodontics is a dental specialty that focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of gum disease. When periodontal disease (also known as gum disease) develops, usually because of poor oral hygiene practices, the harm is not just to your gums but also to your general health. Continue reading to learn more about gum disease and how it affects your overall health.
Tooth decay and gum disease have many things in common; both are caused by bacteria in the mouth. Bacteria accumulate in the mouth (especially near the gumline) when patients fail to brush and floss regularly. The bacteria create a sticky film on teeth called plaque, and when plaque is not removed by a dental professional regularly, it calcifies into tartar. Brushing and flossing are not enough to get rid of tartar as they require specialized equipment available at the dental office.
The following are some of the ways in which periodontal disease can affect your general health.
Gum disease has been linked to several significant health issues. If left untreated, gum disease can potentially worsen various health issues.
Patients are more likely to develop coronary artery disease if they have untreated gum disease. Bacteria release toxins in the gums. The toxins can move through the bloodstream, cause inflammation in the arteries, resulting in a blockage. This obstruction raises the risk of having a stroke or heart attack.
Diabetes can also be exacerbated by periodontal disease. The reason is that diabetes already compromises one’s immune system. As a result, when the body tries to combat gum disease, it causes blood sugar levels to fluctuate, making it more challenging to manage diabetes. Furthermore, since the body does not fight infection as efficiently when diabetes is present, the chronic condition might accelerate the progression of gum disease.
Hormones in a pregnant woman’s body make gum inflammation more likely, which increases the risk of gum disease. Pregnant women with periodontal disease are at higher risk of giving birth to preterm or underweight children. Underweight or preterm children often have compromised immune systems, making them more susceptible to illnesses like colds, flu, and respiratory infections.
Gum disease can worsen asthma. The explanation is that patients with allergies and asthma have a weak immune system. Therefore, gum disease inflammation can trigger asthma episodes. Periodontal disease is also more common in people with Alzheimer’s, and it may hasten the disease’s progression.
Another major issue with periodontal disease is that it makes oral cancer more difficult to diagnose and cure. In addition, it is difficult to identify the early stages of oral cancer, mainly because the patient cannot see within their mouth, and the disease is painless.
Those worried about their gum health can begin to take steps toward keeping their teeth and gums bacteria-free. Brush and floss your teeth twice a day and stick to nutritious meals, and make sure to have your teeth cleaned and examined every six months by a dentist.
Request an appointment here: https://www.carlosesanchezdds.com or call Carlos E. Sanchez, DDS at (209) 690-1118 for an appointment in our Tracy office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Periodontics in Tracy, CA.
Periodontics focuses on preventing, diagnosing, and treating the issues that affect your gums, like gum disease. Gum disease is one of the most common reasons that people head to a dentist, and an infection of gum tissues is what causes it.Bacteria in plaque and tartar can make their way below the gumline into gum pockets,…
Periodontics is a branch of dentistry that focuses on issues that affect your gums. Taking care of your gums is just as important as taking care of your teeth. Gums help keep the teeth stable in their sockets, and gum disease is linked to serious health issues, like diabetes, heart disease, respiratory problems, and stroke.Failing…
Periodontics is a branch of dentistry that focuses on the inflammatory disease — gum disease — that destroys the gums and other supporting structures around the teeth, including the bone. Gum disease is a common oral health concern that needs treatment to ensure further complications do not develop.It is important to have a full understanding of…
The structures supporting teeth need proper care, or they will become infected and damage the teeth.We offer treatment for the structures that are crucial to supporting and surrounding teeth. If these structures do not receive the proper level of care, then your teeth are more susceptible to infection.PeriodonticsAt Carlos E. Sanchez, DDS in Tracy, we…
Having a full mouth reconstruction is an important procedure to renew your smile and get your oral health back on track. These procedures can be invasive and involved, so it is normal to feel some nervousness. If you are worried about what will take place, it is helpful to learn as much about this process…
A gentle dentist is a dental professional that prioritizes minimally invasive dental treatment. While they are capable of performing more invasive procedures and may do so if there are no alternatives, they typically opt for the less invasive option. Gentle dentistry is ideal for patients who want painless treatment or deal with dental anxiety.The benefits…