Statistics show the majority of adult Americans suffer from some form of gum disease. Unfortunately, many of the cases go undiagnosed. That puts millions of people at risk of tooth loss, but there’s evidence that greater problems could be on the horizon. Learn about the connection between your gum and overall health, and discover why receiving gum therapy is important.
What Causes Gum Disease?
When bacteria are allowed to accumulate, they can form a clear, sticky substance called plaque. It can settle on the teeth and along the gum line, causing problems when it’s allowed to linger for a prolonged period of time.
One of the possible results of untreated plaque accumulation is gum disease. It’s brought on by bacteria seeping beneath the gums and causing calcification and the formation of germ pockets. Over time, this can lead to the following symptoms:
- Red spots
- Gum swelling
- Gum bleeding
- Pimply formations
- Unpleasant breath
- Increased sensitivity
If you notice any of these symptoms, then you should reach out to your dentist to be examined.
Restoration with Gum Therapy
One of the most effective forms of gum therapy is the scaling and root planing procedure, which involves the following two steps:
- Scaling – The procedure begins with your dentist using an ultrasonic cleaner to remove the plaque, tartar and bacteria that lie beneath the gum line.
- Root Planing – Then, the roots are gently smoothed to decrease the chances of any new growth and future infection.
Why It’s Important to Treat Gum Disease
Receiving the treatment you need for gum disease is critical to more than just your oral health. It also can prevent the development of such conditions as heart disease, stroke, hypertension, pancreatic cancer, Alzheimer’s disease and oral cancer.
Each of the above-listed illnesses can be fatal; thus, it’s important to take a proactive approach to your oral health.
Ways to Prevent Gum Disease
An old axiom states, “An ounce of prevention is worth more than 10 pounds of cure.” This statement perfectly incapsulates the significance of receiving preventive dentistry, which includes six-month check-ups and cleanings. For a total of roughly two hours of your time each year, along with consistently brushing and flossing your teeth, you can enjoy healthy gums.
Another means of sustaining your oral health is to limit your intake of sugar, as the latter is the preferred food of bacteria. But, if you choose to indulge in a sugary food or beverage, you should be sure to flush your mouth with water and perform excellent oral hygiene.
To have the assurance that your oral health is fortified, reach out to your local dentist to schedule a visit today.
About the Author
Dr. Robert Blake has been providing top-notch dental care for over 30 years. Throughout the process, he has remained eager to learn more, which is why he has taken over 1,500 hours of advanced postgraduate training. Specializing in restorative care, Dr. Blake helps patients prevent and treat gum disease at Beverly Farms Dental, and he can be reached for more information through his website.