Have you ever been brushing your teeth one day only to spit out a bit of blood into the sink? Did you notice that your gums felt tender after that? If this scenario sounds familiar, you might have gum disease in Dallas, GA. What exactly is gum disease? Is it connected to your general health? How can you prevent it? Read more to learn the answers.
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, starts with a buildup of plaque in the mouth. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on the teeth. With regular brushing and flossing, you can keep it from doing much harm. However, by neglecting your oral hygiene, you increase the number of bacteria in your mouth, which can cause inflammation and irritation in the gum tissue. Eventually, the bacteria attack the structures that keep your teeth anchored in their sockets, and your teeth can fall out.
See your dentist right away if you experience any of the symptoms of gum disease:
- Gums that bleed when brushing or flossing
- Persistent bad taste in the mouth or bad breath
- Red, tender, swollen gums
- Receding gums, resulting in teeth that appear longer
- Shifting or loose teeth
What Conditions Are Linked to Gum Disease?
Several health issues have been connected to periodontal disease, such as:
- Heart disease. Studies have suggested that inflammation in the gums sets off a chain reaction of inflammation throughout the body, eventually leading to the heart.
- Pregnancy and birth complications. Low birth weight and premature births have been linked to gum infections.
- Pneumonia. Bacteria from the mouth can get breathed into the lungs and cause respiratory diseases.
- Diabetes. Particularly if your diabetes is uncontrolled, you are more likely to contract infections like gum disease.
- Alzheimer’s. The same strains of bacteria characteristic of gum disease have been found in brain tissue of dementia patients. This suggests that bacteria travel through pockets they create in the gums to reach the brain and wreak havoc.
How Can You Keep Gum Disease at Bay?
Preventing gum disease is fairly easy if you stick to these steps:
- Floss at least once a day
- Clean your teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste
- Quit smoking
- Keep consumption of sugary and starchy foods and beverages to a minimum
- Visit your dentist every six months for a regular checkup and cleaning
Contact your dentist as soon as you experience any kind of oral health problem. In addition, if it has been more than six months since your last appointment, it’s never a bad idea to schedule a cleaning to keep your mouth nice and fresh.
About the Practice
At Distinctive Dentistry, we provide periodontal therapy in Dallas, GA. Drs. Bobby Shirley, Clay Cannon, and Jack Bickford bring a wide variety of expertise to our practice. To learn more about how to take care of your teeth and gums, or if you think you may have gum disease, don’t hesitate to contact us at (770) 445-6606.
