Let us show you how to keep Gum Disease under control.

It's never too early or too late to learn and treat gum disease.

Although gum disease is terribly pervasive, it's also preventable. Conservative estimates report that up to 80% of people unknowingly have some amount of chronic gum disease. What's worse is that this disease is responsible for up to 70% of adult tooth loss. Part of the problem is that the early signs of gum disease are both silent and serious, requiring a dentist's trained eye to detect, treat, and arrest the telltale gum inflammation and infection. However, once arrested, you can prevent gum disease from recurring…simply by developing healthy hygiene habits.

Several factors contribute to periodontal disease: plaque build-up, heredity, and lifestyle choices. By far, the most common and controllable factor is bacterial plaque-- the sticky, colorless film produced by normal oral bacteria. Unhindered, they release toxins that break down the natural fibers holding your gums to your teeth, allowing even more bacteria and toxins to invade. Over time, this process can permanently damage or destroy the affected tooth, tooth root, and even the jawbone! Further, plaque deposits quickly harden into calculus or tartar-- a rough, porous, gum-irritating substance that brushing will not remove.

Besides poor oral health habits, your poor lifestyle choices can affect your body's ability to fight infection or increase irritation in the gum tissue area. Poor nutrition, poorly managed stress, leukemia, AIDS, and diabetes all reduce your body's natural ability to ward off periodontal disease. Smoking and chewing tobacco greatly irritate the gum tissue, setting it up for disease. And, finally, some people are simply born with a low resistance to gum disease. All of this explains why we carefully check for the warning signs at every visit: red, swollen, tender, or bleeding gums, gums pulling away from teeth, loose or separating teeth, pus between the gum and tooth, persistent bad breath, bite changes, and/or a change in the fit of partial dentures. These symptoms are overlooked by most people, making regular dental exams even more important.

Healthy Mouth, Happy Life?

How does your oral health affect your general health?

If you think about it, it makes perfect sense: poor oral health is linked to poor physical health. How so? Well, consider the big picture: your mouth is a key entryway into the rest of the body and its systems. If the mouth has a chronic infection or disease, then your entire body may be indirectly or directly exposed to those bacteria. Furthermore, the resources needed for your general health to function will be diverted to handle the chronic infection, weakening the overall natural protection your other systems typically enjoy. Research documents connections between periodontal disease and poor heart health, resulting in increased risk of stroke, diabetes, problem pregnancies, respiratory diseases and osteoporosis in women. What's more, some studies indicate that those who lose all their natural teeth may have a much shorter life span.

So, what's the answer? If you want to up your odds of a happy, healthy life, treat your body with respect and put your money (and effort) where your mouth is. Try starting with the basics: learn the latest tips, techniques and tools for top-notch oral hygiene. Then, branch out: incorporate a healthy diet, exercise, fresh air, and regular rest. Eliminate unhealthy habits that are counterproductive. And, remember, taking care of your teeth means better well being, and it means your body will be better able to take care of itself.

Call us today to schedule your complimentary platinum-care consultation.