subject: Understanding The Link Between Your Oral Health And Overall Health For Better Quality Of Life [print this page] While many people believe that maintaining a daily oral hygiene regimen is only essential to maintain a glowing smile, research suggests there are more reasons to continue to maintain your oral health care daily. Not only does proper hygiene help you smile for longer, but it also helps you to maintain your general health. With advancements in technology, researchers continue to develop links between periodontal and cardiovascular health. Maintenance of your teeth and gums can further help in preventing cardiovascular problems, including heart disease.
Understanding the Connection
Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection that can attack your gums and bone. If proper treatment is not sought, your periodontal infection can spread to other parts of your body, such as your bloodstream, which can then travel to your major organs that cause new infections. What does this mean for you? Well, the very same plaque that builds up on your teeth and gums can potentially find its way into your bloodstream, which can cause blockages of your arteries. Blood clots and blockages greatly increase your risk of heart attack and stroke.
Additionally, periodontal disease can also be linked with diabetes, osteoporosis, and preterm and low birth weight babies. Because of the variety of health risks and consequences, it is vital that you take proper care of your personal oral health in order to avoid these often life-threatening problems. The next time you contemplate skipping brushing or flossing your teeth, think twice-your health depends on it.
What is Periodontal Disease?
Also known as gum disease, periodontal disease begins with bacterial growth in your mouth and may end-if not properly treated-with tooth loss due to destruction of the tissue that surrounds your teeth. The beginning stage of periodontal disease is referred to as gingivitis, which is easily treatable if caught early. Although your gums may be irritated, your teeth are still firmly planted in their sockets and no irreversible bone or other tissue damage has occurred yet.
When gingivitis is left untreated, it can advance to periodontitis, which is when the inner layer of the gum and bone begin to pull away from the teeth and form pockets. These small spaces between the teeth and gums collect debris, which can then cause an infection. Your body's immune system will then begin to fight the bacteria as the plaque spreads and grows below the gum line.
Gum disease often progresses painlessly, producing few obvious signs, even in the late stages of the disease. Some symptoms of gum disease include:
*Gums that easily bleed
*Red, swollen, or tender gums
*Persistent bad breath or bad taste in your mouth
*Receding gums
*Formation of deep pockets between teeth and gums
*Loose or shifting teeth
*Changes in the way teeth fit together upon biting down, or in the fit of partial dentures
Laser Periodontal Therapy
Today, one of the most revolutionary innovations in dental care is the introduction of laser periodontal therapy. Traditional periodontal treatment utilizes surgical and non-surgical methods that are time consuming and sometimes painful. However, laser periodontal therapy helps your dentist to provide effective treatment in a short period of time, using a process that is nearly painless. Additionally, traditional periodontal surgery requires a two to four week recovery window, but with laser therapy you can be back to normal in less than 24 hours because the laser that is used to clean your teeth also aides in coagulating the gum tissue, which helps to reduce swelling and speeds up the recovery process.
Talk to your dentist in Brookfield, WI today for more information on periodontal disease and the best treatment option for restoring your smile to optimal health.
by: Gen Wright
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