If you visit your doctor regularly, then you understand the importance of taking care of your overall health. Without your health, you can’t do the things you want to with as much confidence. Keeping it in check is a very high priority. However, when it comes to your dental health, you might not have the same dedication.
According to your dentist in Medford, failing to care for your oral health could have major implications when it comes to the health of other parts of your body. In fact, your gum health can directly influence your heart health; it’s been proven through years of research. Keep reading to learn how.
The Role of Bacteria and Inflammation
When you fail to regularly visit your dentist in Medford or skip brushing and flossing, plaque begins to build up inside your mouth. If enough builds up, bacteria can infect gum tissue and begin breaking down the barrier between your gums and the underlying connective tissue underneath. This allows bacteria that’s normally exclusive to the mouth to travel to other areas of the body via the bloodstream.
Not only does bacteria stick to fatty plaques in the bloodstream and contribute to blockages, it also triggers an inflammatory response in the body. This response, commonly associated with infections, swells blood vessels, causing them to swell and narrow. This reduces blood flow and increases the risk of clots.
Just by having gum disease, your chance of experiencing a heart attack or stroke goes up significantly.
The Signs of Periodontal Disease
If you’re wondering if you have early signs of gum disease, you’ll want to look out for blood after brushing, flossing, or eating. You’ll also want to take note if your gums are red, swollen, or tender to the touch. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, other signs of periodontal disease include:
- Persistent bad breath
- Sores in the mouth
- Pus between the gums and teeth
- Loose or separating teeth
- Receding gums
Early signs of gum disease are typically only be visible by a dentist, so it’s important that you make it to your dentist in Medford for an examination, regardless if you think you have gum disease or not.
How to Treat and Prevent Future Gum Disease
Besides seeing your dentist every six months for an examination and cleaning, you’ll need to practice proper at-home care in between visits. This includes:
- Brushing twice a day with a fluoridated toothpaste
- Flossing once a day, ideally right before bed
- Managing your diet. This means monitoring foods you eat that are high in sugar and starches.
- Eating foods that promote gum health
Want to learn how to build a diet around gum health or get necessary deep cleaning done? Schedule an appointment with your dentist in Medford to prevent future gum problems today!
About the Author
Dr. Anthony Giamberardino is a Harvard alumnus who earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. He continues to provide many dental services, including restorative, preventive, and cosmetic dentistry. To learn more about his periodontal treatment methods and practice, contact him at (339) 674-6707 or visit his website.