There has been a great deal of news lately about how problems with the gums could indicate problems with the rest of the body or even the other way around. It makes many people become much more aware of their gums and signs of gum disease. Are you worried about this condition? In fact, it is a very serious problem that can cause serious complications. The good news is that it is quite preventable as well. Here is what you need to know about gum disease.
What is Gum Disease?
Often also referred to as periodontal disease, it is a condition when infection chronically builds in pockets between the gums and the teeth. When not prevented or treated, the disease can cause tooth loss, pain while eating, and bleeding gums. In addition, that infection that builds up below the gum line is full of bacteria. While it is not common, there is a chance that the bacteria could enter the blood stream. If this were to happen, it could make you very sick.
How is Gum Disease a Big Problem?
There are two trains of thought with gum disease and more serious medical conditions. One is that the periodontal disease is an indicator of serious issues elsewhere in the body. The other train of thought is that gum disease actually causes more serious issues in the body. In either case, periodontal disease has been linked to such problems as:
- Heart Disease and Heart Attack
As you can see, gum disease is something to be concerned about, and it is a very common condition among adults.
Prevention is Key
As with so many other different conditions, gum disease is easily preventable. Most importantly, you need to do is get your teeth regularly cleaned at the dentist’s office. That means going in for a cleaning appointment twice a year. Additionally, it means taking proper care of your teeth at home, including regular brushing and flossing and maintaining healthy diet and habits. When you take proper care of your teeth, you will not have to worry about periodontal disease.
The most important thing to remember is that your smile is like a mirror. It reflects what is going on in the rest of your body. If you have something like gum disease, it could be an indicator of other health problems. So visit your dentist regularly to check and maintain your gum health.