Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is when your gums recede back from your teeth, creating space that gets bigger over time. The infection that takes place in this space creates inflammation that affects the connective tissue between your teeth and jaw, so when left untreated, your teeth will eventually get loose and come out. Treating gum disease is not only essential, but can improve your overall health!
Linked to Other Health Ailments
The inflammation is what ties gum disease to other health ailments. The inflammation in your mouth when periodontal disease is present is linked to heart disease, diabetes, stroke, rheumatoid arthritis, and premature birth in women who are pregnant. These are all serious health conditions that affect your quality of life and your lifespan—and let’s not forget that heart disease is the primary cause of death in men and women in the United States. Gum disease is linked to all of these health problems by the common factor of inflammation. By treating the gum disease in your mouth, you’re making it easier for your body to maintain health and eliminate the inflammatory response that comes with infection. By alleviating inflammation in your body, you can help reduce and prevent your risk of heart disease, stroke, and arthritis. Not to mention you can help save your teeth! Be aware of the signs and symptoms of gum disease—this includes bleeding gums when brushing, chronic bad breath, red gums, loose teeth, and buildup of plaque that looks brown along the gum line.
How to Treat Gum Disease?
Gum disease happens when plaque builds up on your teeth over time and eventually turns into tartar—a very hard substance that can only be scraped off and removed by a dentist. This tartar will affect the space where your gums meet your teeth, causing the gums to pull back from the teeth, infection to breed in this space, and inflammation. Inflammation of the gums is simply gingivitis, but gingivitis is a serious condition that can easily lead to periodontal disease. You can treat gingivitis or periodontal disease by visiting your dentist—he or she will properly clean your teeth and gum line to get rid of the tartar and help reduce the infection. Prevention is the best measure to take when it comes to gum disease or gingivitis. Brushing regularly (and properly), flossing to get at the hard-to-reach areas in between your teeth, and visiting your dentist regularly for check-ups are all important practices for your oral health—and your body!
Being aware that inflammation in your mouth in the form of gum disease is linked a variety of other serious health ailments is important. Taking care of your oral health is just as important as taking care of your body. One affects the other and by taking care of your oral health, you help to decrease inflammation in body. If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms of gum disease, visit your dentist today!
