Periodontal (Gum) Disease
SRD on Helton Drive in Florence, AL
 The connection between oral and general health is not always obvious, but oral health can reveal a great deal about your overall health. Studies have shown that periodontal disease and other oral health problems are related to a variety of health conditions, including diabetes, heart and kidney disease, Alzheimer's disease, asthma, osteoporosis, and cancer. The gum disease treatment team at Singing River Dentistry will ensure you receive supportive periodontal care that keeps your smile healthy after receiving gum disease treatment.
Request an Appointment
Gum Disease's Effect on Your Heart
This connection may be due to inflammatory products, such as c-reactive protein (CRP), a protein present in blood plasma. A high level of CRP is found in people who have periodontal disease, and it can also occur because of inflammatory conditions in the body. Infected gum tissue may introduce bacteria into the bloodstream that travel to other parts of the circulatory system, potentially causing inflammation and arterial plaque. As gum disease and heart disease share several risk factors, such as smoking and excessive body weight, it makes sense that they may occur concurrently.
Diabetes and Gum Disease
There is a strong relationship between diabetes and gum disease. The gums recede from your teeth which causes small pockets to form. During brushing, small pieces of food can easily get trapped in the pockets. Then, bacteria develops and produces toxins that irritate the gums and lead to inflammation. Without therapy, the bones and tissues that support the teeth begin to deteriorate. Patients with diabetes have a lower potential of healing since their immune systems are weakened. There is a greater breakdown of periodontal tissues as they do not heal as well. In individuals with severe periodontitis, HbA1C, glucose-linked hemoglobin indicating the degree of control of diabetes, may be higher than normal.
The relationship between gum disease and diabetes is a two-way street: periodontitis may affect glucose control, and individuals with diabetes are more likely to develop gum disease due to bacterial infection. People with diabetes must pay special attention to their dental health. Blood glucose levels in diabetics can be efficiently maintained by practicing proper dental hygiene and seeing the dentist every six months.
The Importance of Early Detection
The link between dental health and diabetes and heart disease is still unclear, but maintaining good dental health is an imperative component of overall health. Most periodontal diseases may be avoided with good dental hygiene and frequent expert treatment. If detected early on, this illness is curable. If you let it proceed, after your teeth have lost too much bone support, the condition may be difficult to treat and your teeth may need to be removed. We recommend brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing at least once a day. A dentist should inspect and clean your teeth twice a year.
Find out more about periodontal maintenance and care by contacting Singing River Dentistry. Please call (256) 904-4220 to schedule an appointment for a consultation.
Request an Appointment
|
