You take your oral health serious, so you don’t want to be left in the dark on any form of prevention. Therefore, your dentist in Cumming weighs in to provide some valuable information about a potential threat to your gum health and even your total wellness. As you read on, discover what contributes to gum disease and how you can protect yourself!
They Pose a Threat to Your Gum Health
The primary threat to the maintenance of healthy gums is bacteria growth. Always present in your mouth and lurking for sustenance, bacteria feed on any leftover debris, and as they digest the remaining soilage, corrosive acids are released, and if not addressed, they can lead to tooth and gum decay.
The Warning Signs of Gum Disease
Gum decay really escalates when hundreds of bacteria form plaque, which is a sticky substance that clings to the various surfaces in the mouth. One area it tends to congregate over time is beneath the gum line, where it can form germ pockets.
Here are some of the warning signs that the intensity of the gum decay is increasing:
- Gums that easily bleed
- Chronically-bad breath
- Puffy or swollen gums
- Increased sensitivity to the touch
- Red spots or bumps on the gums
These symptoms shouldn’t be ignored because the damage bacteria can cause won’t stop until they’re treated.
Greater Problems Arising from Gum Disease
If gum disease is ignored, there can eventually be tooth loss, but there are even greater potential problems that lurk in the shadows. That’s because the plaque that accumulates beneath the gums can eventually work its way to other parts of the body, including the brain.
Here are some of the life-threatening issues that can arise:
- Oral Cancer
- Alzheimer’s Disease
- Pancreatic Cancer
- Stroke
- Hypertension
- Complications with diabetes
It’s empowering to know that even though these threats are always present, and they can have a significant impact on your overall wellness, you have ways to protect yourself.
Prevention is the Key
The most important takeaway from this information is the importance of preventive care. It affords you the opportunity to avoid the more acute problems mentioned here and to shift the focus from a reactive approach to oral health to one of more proactivity.
You can start by brushing and flossing your teeth at least two times a day and monitoring your intake of sugar, which is the food of choice of bacteria. Then be sure to visit your dentist every six months for cleanings and examinations.
By taking these simple steps, you can be assured your gums will be healthier and you’ll be better protected from any troublesome conditions. To turn things around, reach out to your dentist to schedule a visit today!
About the Author
Dr. Brian Lee has been providing top-notch dental care for over a decade. Still, the University of Michigan School of Dentistry graduate remains dedicated to helping his patients experience the healthiest teeth and gums possible. Dr. Lee provides preventive care at Dentistry at Windermere, and he can be reached for more information through his website.