Many know that gingivitis can lead to tooth loss, but not everyone realizes it affects the rest of the body. When gums suffer from advanced periodontitis, it can contribute to issues like heart disease and diabetes. Here’s what you need to know to keep your heart and smile healthy.
What is Periodontal Disease?
Gum disease is caused by tartar buildup below the gum line. Generally, patients develop gum disease over in adulthood, so children are less likely to seek treatment. However, it is important that children, as well as adults, engage in the best practices to prevent the development of gingivitis.
The swelling and recession of the gums caused by tartar buildup open a direct pathway for bacteria to enter the bloodstream and affect other areas of the body, like the heart. Your risks for diabetes, heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, arthritis, and premature birth increase when you have gum disease.
Ways to prevents gum disease
Patients that brush and floss regularly practice the main preventive actions against developing gingivitis.
Since plaque hardens to tartar in as soon as 24 hours, it is critical to a patient’s dental health that he or she uses a toothbrush to whisk away harmful bacteria from teeth. Furthermore, flossing reaches deep between the gums where normal bristles can’t reach. This helps to manage the buildup of bacteria in the area where teeth meet nerve endings that lead to the heart. Not only does flossing help your heart to stay healthy and strong, but it also provides you with the opportunity to engage in the best practices that help you avoid issues like halitosis (bad breath) and tooth decay.
Additionally, visiting the dentist for regular checkups ensures tartar build-up is managed and gums remain firmly attached to teeth. While gums cannot grow back, they can heal themselves fairly quickly, getting patients recovered in no time.
What happens if I think I have gum disease?
If you already have gum disease, visit a dentist as soon as possible. Periodontal care improves a patient’s oral health and reverses the effects of gingivitis. Patients experiencing the following symptoms should receive care from a professional:
- Red and Swollen Gums
- Receding Gums
- Pocket Development
- Pain
- Bad Breath
- Loose Teeth
Patients that undergo scaling and root planing provided by a professional hygienist or dentist ensure their gums have the best chances of recovering from periodontal disease. Also known as deep cleaning, scaling and root planing involves removing tartar buildup from the tooth and smooth away rough areas where bacteria and plaque are susceptible to cling to. Once removed, gums reattach themselves to teeth, restoring stability and health.
Explore Options for Periodontal Disease Treatment
Your gum health is the foundation of oral health. Ensuring your teeth rest on a healthy platform helps you keep your smile well into your senior years. Our practice is dedicated to helping patients restore their oral and overall health. For periodontal care in Hamilton, NJ, call the dental office of Dr. Joseph Ricciardi today!