Did you know that when a dentist looks at your mouth, they can tell a lot more than just how often you’re brushing? Periodontal Disease (Gum Disease) is one that can be detected simply by looking in your mouth. It’s true—your oral health is like a window into your lifestyle and habits. Dr. Phillip Lance at Miami Valley Smiles should know. We’ve seen mouths from all over Mason in our office!
Your Mouth: A Picture of Health
If you’re not taking care of the rest of your body, your gums will give it away. Hormones, sickness, stress, diet, smoking, prescription medicine, and more can all affect your gum health, and that goes both ways. If you don’t take care of your gums, the consequences will stretch beyond just your mouth. Unhealthy gums can lead to an unhealthy heart, diabetes, pregnancy complications, memory problems, tooth decay, and more.
Your mouth is naturally good at washing away and fighting germs. But without proper oral hygiene, those bacteria can lead to gum disease. When it comes to your oral health, it’s more than just pearly white teeth you want. Healthy gums play an important role in your overall health. Healthy gums protect not only your teeth and jawbone; they also prevent infection from entering the rest of your body.
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an infection and inflammation of the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth. It’s a major cause of tooth loss in adults, and often painless in its early stages. The most common forms are gingivitis (mild) and periodontitis (more severe). Basically, Gum disease is the inflammation of your gums caused by a buildup of too much food, bacteria, or plaque and tartar.
You’ll know your gums are not in tiptop shape if they show any of these signs:
- Redness or other discoloration
- Pain or soreness
- Bleeding during regular brushing or flossing
- Gum lines pulling back from teeth
- Chronic bad breath
- Tooth loss
None of these conditions are desirable and left untreated, they can lead to further damage. The longer these symptoms are left untreated, the more detrimental they can become to your dental health. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, 20-30% of Americans have gum disease that puts them at risk of losing teeth.
How Can I Have Better Oral Health?
Prevention is the best medicine. Brush at least twice and floss once a day, and visit your dentist twice a year. Proper oral hygiene is simple, but if you’re not taking care of your teeth and gums, you can do long-term damage to your overall health. If your gums need some TLC, a professional cleaning should do the trick. But if gum disease gets out of control, you may need more extensive gum disease treatment.
Let the team at Miami Valley Smiles be your partners in health. Contact us today to take the first step toward a more vital tomorrow!
