The Link Between Gum Disease and Overall Health
Gum disease is a serious dental health issue that needs to be addressed as soon as it's detected. Failure to treat gum disease as soon as possible can lead to a number of problems, including tooth misalignment and tooth loss. When you visit our cosmetic dentistry center, we will be sure to address gum disease as soon as it is detected so that your smile can looks its best.
All parts of the body are interconnected, which is why the health of your smile is so crucial. What you may not have expected is that gum disease has been linked to a number of serious health conditions. Let's take a moment to consider these matters right now.
About Gum Disease
Gum disease is a bacterial infection of the gum tissue. It's caused by the same bacteria that causes tooth decay and bad breath.
There are three different stages of gum disease (in order of least severe to most severe):
- Gingivitis
- Periodontitis
- Advanced periodontitis
The more serious the gum disease, the more serious the symptoms associated with the gum disease.
Can gum disease really affect your overall health?
While more research is required to say with absolute certainty, gum disease has been linked to a number of serious general health problems. If not a direct cause, research has shown a correlation between gum disease and several serious health problems.
Heath Problems That May Be Linked to Gum Disease
Gum disease has been linked to the following health problems:
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Dementia
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Premature birth
Given the above, it's important that you meet with a skilled periodontist to discuss your treatment options for gum disease.
What causes this potential link between gum disease and poor health?
Experts still are unsure about the link, which is why we mentioned that more research is necessary. That said, may experts believe that the oral bacteria may potentially enter a person's circulatory system and do damage to the body through the bloodstream. In addition, it's been posited that inflammation associated with gum disease may cause increased inflammation in the rest of the body.
Tips for Gum Disease Prevention
In order to prevent gum disease, basic care and good hygiene are crucial. Patients are advised to:
- Brush their teeth at least twice a day
- Floss at least every night
- Visit their dentist twice a year for regular checkups
Treatments for Gum Disease
There are numerous treatments out there for gum disease. In general, there are two parts to it.
The first part is the treatment of the infection itself. This is usually done with antiseptic rinses and antibiotics.
The second part involves restoring the damage done by the gum disease or associated with the gum disease. This could mean gum grafting to rebuild the gumline and the use of various dental restorations to address tooth decay.
An exact treatment plan can be discussed during a consultation at our practice.
Learn More About Advanced Dental Care
For more information about gum disease, how it can be prevented, and how it can be treated, be sure to contact our Brooklyn Heights cosmetic dentistry center today. The entire team looks forward to meeting you in person and helping you achieve good overall dental health.
