Healthy Gums Lead to a Healthy Body!
Periodontics refers to “the tissue around the teeth” and is often characterized by gum disease. Plaque is the most common element causing gum disease.
Unfortunately, periodontal-related problems are often discovered after they have persisted for an extended period of time. Proper oral hygiene, daily dental care and regular dental checkups will minimize the risk of gum disease. Gum disease ranges from mild (gingivitis) to moderate (periodintitis) to the severe (periodontitis). Treatments are available for every case of gum disease.
Common problems associated with gum disease:
- “Long” teeth (receding gum lines expose the root portions of your teeth)
- Discolored or deteriorating tooth structure
- Gum depressions (holes in between the teeth in the gum tissue)
- Infected gum line (discoloration or inflammation of the gum tissue)
- Tooth loss or tooth movement
The effects of gum disease can be damaging not only to your dental health but to your overall health as well. New research has shown a connection between gum disease and serious diseases such as Heart Disease, Diabetes, Strokes, Pancreatic Cancer and Alzheimer’s Disease.
The Link Between Periodontal Disease and Heart Disease
Research shows that people with periodontal disease are twice as likely to have heart disease as those without periodontal disease.
Many researchers believe that the mouth is the portal for the bacteria to invade the body. Bacteria that begin in periodontal pockets can not only cause inflammation and damage to your gums, but it can grow and enter the blood stream spreading throughout your body. It can affect your heart by attaching to plaque in the coronary arteries, thus contributing to clot formation. Heart disease is characterized by the thickening of the walls of the coronary arteries due to the accumulation of plaque. Blood clots can obstruct blood flow and decrease the amount of oxygen the heart receives, which can lead to a heart attack.
Our office offers a very strong periodontal treatment program and when necessary will refer you to competent specialists.