The idea of a healthy smile is often associated with perfectly aligned white teeth. Many people are unaware that an unhealthy mouth and body are linked. As the foundation for a healthy mouth, gum and periodontal health should not be taken lightly. With proper oral hygiene and regular visits to the dentist, you can help maintain your oral health.

When your gums are healthy, your teeth are healthy.

Teeth are held in place by the gums, making chewing and biting possible. Healthy gums attach to the root of the tooth and the socket where the tooth is placed. Healthy gums protect the teeth and jawbone from physical damage and disease.

Periodontal disease can lead to serious systemic problems.

It’s essential to take care of your mouth. It is also possible to contract diseases in other parts of the body if you have a persistent infection in your mouth. Infections in the mouth are linked to heart disease, diabetes, and stroke in some cases. Professional periodontal care is critical if you are experiencing symptoms of gum disease. 

 What are the signs that your gums are healthy?

Gums that are in good health are pink and adhere to your teeth. Flossing and brushing them properly shouldn’t cause them to bleed. Please contact our office with questions about your gums, teeth, or oral health or if you would like to make an appointment, give our dental office a call.

In the United States, there are about 45% of people who have periodontal disease. The various forms of periodontal disease range from mild inflammation of the gum tissues to periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease that can affect soft tissue and lead to tooth loss. With our experienced dentist, we treat both new and existing patients suffering from periodontal (gum) disease.

Gum disease is often caused by a lack of proper oral hygiene practices. Maintaining optimal oral health requires daily brushing and flossing and regular exams and cleanings by a professional. Plaque can form on the teeth when these practices are not followed. The plaque may harden over time and turn into tartar if it isn’t properly removed. Once that has occurred, a dental professional should be consulted to remove tartar from teeth.

Tartar may continue to build up if gum disease is not treated promptly. If this happens, gum disease may progress. Without proper oral hygiene can cause the gums to swell, bleed, and redden. To prevent the disease from progressing, professional periodontal treatment is required.

Periodontitis occurs when periodontal disease is not treated. Periodontitis is a more effective form of periodontitis. Periodontitis causes the gums to pull away from the teeth, creating small “pockets” along the gum line. Without professional assistance, these spaces are challenging to clean and can quickly deteriorate the mouth’s health. A periodontal infection may destroy bone, gums, and soft tissues without prompt and thorough treatment. In adults, periodontal disease is among the leading causes of tooth loss.

Poor oral hygiene habits, diabetes, smoking, and hormonal changes in women are the most common factors contributing to periodontal disease. It can be more challenging to clean your teeth properly if your gums develop abnormal tissues due to medications. The risk of periodontal disease increases for people receiving treatment for AIDS.

We have a trained and experienced doctor who is trained in diagnosing and treating all stages of periodontal disease. Contact our office for a consultation if you are experiencing periodontal symptoms. The following symptoms may occur: Chronic halitosis (bad breath), sensitive teeth, swollen or red gums, sensitive or bleeding gums, and difficulty chewing. Our periodontist offers excellent periodontal care to patients and welcomes new patients for a consultation. Call us today to learn more and to schedule an appointment.