Dental issues and the ways to prevent and treat them are becoming much more commonly known. Unfortunately, there is still a significant degree of the population who is unfamiliar with some of the most basic dental issues concerning us today. Our Scottsdale dentists are concerned about the lack of education we have noticed in some of our patients regarding their own dental health. Patient education is very important to us here in our Scottsdale dentist office and we aim to have well-informed patients and potential clients who are provided with information that can help them prevent many of the most common dental problems we encounter. Here we will explore the basic issue of gum disease and its effects on the mouth and body as a whole.
It’s important to realize that your mouth affects your overall health. Keeping your teeth and gums healthy is vitally important in maintaining a healthy body as well. Gum disease has been linked to both heart disease and strokes, and it may surprise you to know that studies have shown that it is present in some form in 75% of all Americans. Obviously our Scottsdale dentists find this to be of great concern.
It is most important not to take for granted the daily task of brushing and flossing. While mundane tasks, they are imperative to the health of your mouth, and thereby your body. Flossing is of utmost importance. You cannot obtain adequate gum health without regular flossing. That means every day!
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is caused by a buildup of tartar and plaque. There can be other contributing factors as well, including clenching and grinding teeth, medications, the use of tobacco and even genetics. There are two types of periodontal disease. You may be familiar with gingivitis. This stage is reversible, although it often goes undetected. Regular checkups with a dental professional can help to avoid this. The second stage is called periodontitis and occurs when gingivitis is left untreated. There are many levels of this stage of gum disease, the most common resulting in a chronic inflammatory response. This condition causes the body to break down bone and tissue in the infected area, resulting in bone and tooth loss.
When periodontitis is present, there is a high level of bacteria in the infected areas of the mouth. It is thought that this bacteria is what increases the risk of heart disease. It may also be caused by inflammation in the gums, which then leads to chronic inflammation in other parts of the body, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
A thorough dental checkup and cleaning can ensure that your mouth is health and that you are taking proper care of your teeth and gums. Our Scottsdale dentists are currently accepting new patients and look forward to further educating you on proper tooth and gum care.