Treat Your Gums Right
When people think of keeping their teeth healthy, they sometimes neglect to consider the importance of gum health. In fact, periodontal disease, a.k.a. gum disease, can cause damage not just to your teeth and oral health, but also to your overall health by increasing your chances of some major health problems as well. Unfortunately, it’s a common problem. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, close to half of US adults aged 30 and older and 70% of those 65 and older have some stage of gum disease.
Gum disease is often only detected in it’s advanced stages because, early on, the warning signs can be easy to miss. Watch out for:
- Gum bleeding after brushing or flossing
- Gums that become tender or sore
- Bad breath
- A receding gum line
Gum disease occurs when plaque (the sticky film of bacteria on teeth that causes tooth decay) hardens into tartar, leading to inflamed and swollen gums, or gingivitis. If gingivitis progresses into periodontitis, it can lead to infection and damage the soft tissue of the gums, as well as the jaw bone. It can also lead to tooth loss.
This same infection is linked to health problems such as stroke and heart disease. The bacteria present in gum disease can travel to other parts of the body, such as the heart, and cause inflammation and infection in the heart valves.
Gum disease can be avoided, however, by practicing good dental hygiene. Brushing twice a day and flossing at least once a day, along with professional cleanings and exams, can keep this terrible disease at bay.
At every routine exam, we check for signs of gum disease, but if you notice any changes in your gums between appointments, please call our Wayne office to schedule an appointment. The sooner you treat any kind of infection the better your prognosis.
