Many individuals have symptoms of gum disease without even knowing it. Persistent bad breath, swollen gums, sensitive teeth, or gums that bleed when brushing or flossing are all signs of gum disease.
Your oral anatomy is an integral part of your health and can affect your entire body’s wellbeing. A bacterial imbalance in the mouth may lead to other health concerns. At Parks Legado Dentistry, we offer proven gum disease treatment and many services designed to prevent periodontitis.
How Gum Disease Develops
Gum disease begins with the buildup of plaque in the mouth. Plaque is made up of bacteria and food particles and can spread throughout the smile. Without treatment, the bacteria will then travel through the bloodstream, increasing the risk of other health issues.
The plaque that builds up in your mouth is the same that’s found in arterial walls, which is a particular concern for patients with cardiovascular disease. Gum disease often correlates with other diseases like heart disease, arthritis, diabetes, and cancer. Gum disease has also been related to fertility and pregnancy problems.
Oral bacterial imbalance in the mouth can create inflammation in other parts of the body, as well as a host of issues related to immune deficiencies. If the gum disease is treated successfully, then the inflammation throughout the body also improves.
Ways to Treat Gum Disease
When caught early on, gum disease is easily treated. Even very bad cases will improve with a healthy diet, lifestyle changes, and oral hygiene.
Making some simple changes to your diet can go a long way in improving your oral health. It’s important to eat a mineral-rich diet, plenty of healthy fats, and eliminate excessive carbohydrates and sugar. Lifestyle changes like getting enough sleep, mitigating stress, and avoiding smoking can also have positive effects. Try not to eat sugary treats after seven pm and be in bed early enough to give your body seven to eight hours of maximum restorative sleep.
Maintaining a good oral health routine is as important as your diet and lifestyle. Brush your teeth twice a day, with a soft-bristled brush and replace your toothbrush every three or four months. Floss at least once a day to get the food particles and plaque that hide between teeth.
Contact Legado Dentistry for Gum Disease Treatment
Being aware of the mouth-body connection makes it easy to understand how oral health habits can greatly affect the immune system. At Parks Legado Dentistry, we understand this connection and provide compassionate and complete dental care to Odessa, Texas and the surrounding areas.