During a visit to the periodontist, the dental professional will reiterate the importance of taking proper care of your gums and teeth. Only a few people realize how important good oral health is to overall wellness. Since the mouth is the primary entry point into the body, bacteria can spread to other parts, putting you at risk of different ailments and diseases.
Brushing and flossing daily is essential, but many people do not do so. According to a 2013 poll conducted by the American Dental Association, only about 31% of Americans floss daily, and approximately 19% do not floss at all. That number is quite significant. The following are a few of the most severe health consequences of poor dental hygiene.
Gingivitis is minor periodontitis (advanced gum disease) that causes swelling, inflammation, and painful gums. The condition is typically caused by plaque accumulation on the teeth and gums due to poor oral hygiene routines. The signs of gum disease include gum recession, sensitivity, bad breath, bleeding gums, and gums with a dark red color. Without prompt treatment, gingivitis will progress into periodontitis, which can potentially result in damages to the supporting structures of the teeth and tooth loss.
Patients with periodontal disease are at higher risk of being diagnosed with heart disease and artery narrowing, which results from the entry of plaque and bacteria into the body from the gums. Bacteria can clog arteries and increase the chances of having a heart attack. When the blood vessels that carry blood to your brain get blocked, a stroke is highly probable.
In a study from the University of Central Lancashire School of Medicine and Dentistry, the researchers discovered an association between the common bacteria in gum disease and dementia. They evaluated 20 brain samples, 10 from patients with dementia and 10 from patients without. They discovered the bacteria, Porphyromonas gingivalis, in four samples from those with dementia; the other samples were free of the bacteria.
The actual causes of dementia are unclear, so it is hard to categorically state the connection between gum disease and lower brain functions. However, the takeaway is that poor oral hygiene worsened symptoms in patients exhibiting the initial signs of dementia.
According to studies, more than 95% of people with diabetes in the United States also have periodontal disease or tooth loss. Periodontal disease can worsen diabetes symptoms and affect a person's capacity to control their blood sugar levels.
Periodontal disease can cause germs to enter the bloodstream and spread to the lungs, where they can have a direct effect on the respiratory system. According to studies published in the Journal of Periodontology, this increases the chances of developing acute bronchitis or chronic pneumonia.
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Booking appointments with the dental professional might help you detect oral hygiene issues before they become serious. Although the studies listed here require more research to confirm their conclusions, the overall message is that poor oral hygiene can lead to various health issues. You can meet with the periodontist if you have more questions about gum disease.
Request an appointment or call Charles E. Dyer IV, DDS, MS, PC at 281-213-0900 for an appointment in our Cypress office.
A periodontist is a dentist who focuses on issues that affect gum tissues, like periodontal disease. Also known as gum disease, the condition is an infection of gum tissues that can lead to symptoms like receding gums, pus coming from the base of teeth, and loose teeth.Periodontal disease occurs in two stages: gingivitis and periodontitis.…
Root surface debridement is typically recommended by a periodontist for patients that have gum disease. It is a minimally invasive and safe non-surgical procedure that is performed in the periodontist’s office. This article discusses root surface debridement in greater detail.It is helpful to understand the purpose of root surface debridement and when and why treatment…
Periodontal disease affects millions of adults in the United States and necessitates a visit to the periodontist. Gum disease can cause tooth loss, which can lead to other health problems. Regardless of the condition's prevalence, it must be adequately treated because of its potential severity. It has no age or gender restrictions and can affect…