If you’re a regular reader of our blog, you’ll already know that Aesthetic Family Dentistry are holistic dentists dedicated to providing the means to achieve overall well being. As gum disease can affect your whole body and not just your mouth, we have the condition firmly in our sights!
So why is gum disease such bad news?
Gum disease is a symptom that is linked to many other conditions throughout your body. It’s also easily preventable. Gum disease has been linked directly to stroke, heart disease and diabetes, three considerable challenges to our society as a whole.
Gum disease
Gum disease is caused by bacteria in your mouth. This bacteria feeds on food left between teeth and causes plaque to build up on the teeth. Left untreated, gum disease causes gingivitis (bad breath) and can lead to periodontal disease, tooth loss and more far reaching medical issues.
Gum disease evolves into gingivitis if left untreated. If you have gingivitis, gums will become inflamed and may bleed when brushed. If left untreated it will develop into periodontal disease. This is a more serious condition where the inner layer of gum and jaw bone that secures your teeth can be irreparably damaged.
As well as direct tooth damage, the bacteria that causes periodontal disease marinates into the gums and also leaks toxins into the bloodstream. These toxins are believed to damage blood vessels in the heart and brain, hence the direct causal link to heart disease and stroke.
The link to diabetes comes from those same blood vessels. Diabetes also affects blood vessels that can feed into the damage periodontal disease does. There is often also an increase in glucose in the mouth of diabetes sufferers, which provides fuel for the bacteria.
How can gum disease be treated?
We mentioned that gum disease is easily treated and it really is. Mild gum disease can easily be prevented by good oral health. Brush your teeth properly twice a day and floss at least once and you go a long way to preventing it. Reducing sugar in your diet is another great way to prevent gum disease.
Visiting your dentist regularly is the best way to stay on top of any oral health issue. If you’re having problems managing gum disease, we have a range of strategies to treat it. A thorough, professional mouth cleaning is a great way to reduce the chances of you getting gum disease and is just one of many ways your dentist can help.
If you think you might have gum disease or are worried about periodontal disease, contact Aesthetic Family Dentistry today. We’re here to help!
