Everyone knows that brushing our teeth at least twice a day, flossing, and visiting the dentist on a routine basis can help us maintain good oral hygiene and keep our smiles looking great. What many people don’t know is that keeping our teeth and gums healthy is not just good for our mouths, but is vital to protecting our overall health!
It’s true that brushing regularly can prevent uncomfortable and unsightly mouth issues like cavities, receding gums, bad breath, and unhealthy looking teeth. Maintaining proper oral hygiene actually extends much further than that, however.
Recent studies have shown that infections in the mouth (and particularly periodontitis, or gum disease), can actually lead to a number of significant and chronic illnesses. Researchers have discovered connections between gum disease and issues like:
- Heart disease
- Strokes
- Diabetes
- Complications during pregnancy
- Osteoporosis
- Pneumonia
- Cancer
Unfortunately, the number of adults who suffer from periodontitis is shockingly high. It is estimated that nearly half of people over the age of 30 suffer from some form of gum disease.
Symptoms of Gum Disease
Some common symptoms of gum disease include:
- Red and swollen gums
- Bad breath (also known as halitosis)
- Gums that appear to be shrinking
- Teeth that are shifting
- Sensitivity in the teeth
Treating Gum Disease
To treat gum disease, your dentist might perform any one or several of the following procedures:
- Deep cleaning and scaling
- Antiseptic chips, microspheres, or gels
- Enzyme suppressants
- Oral antibiotics
- Surgery, including gum graft or flap surgery
Contact Babylon Dental Care to Start Your New Year Off Right
At Babylon Dental Care, we hope that everyone has a happy and healthy 2020. One resolution we hope that you’ve made is to maintain your oral health this year. Contact us today to schedule a checkup and cleaning with our caring and compassionate team. Not only will you ensure that your smile looks bright, but you can protect your overall health as well!
