When thinking about everything that contributes to a healthy smile, many may think that brushing and flossing are sufficient. The truth, though, is that gum care is just as important as dental care. Periodontal care, also called gum care, is an essential part of maintaining good oral health. 

Healthy gums contribute to strong teeth and a healthy mouth, overall. If left untreated, gum issues can cause severe damage. When bacteria and plaque build up below or along the gum line, it can lead to inflammation, which may result in gum disease, gingivitis, or periodontitis. Bacterial infections can also attack bone tissue which can cause teeth to become loosened from the gums. 

Many people who have gum disease in the early stages don’t realize it or are unaware of the signs. Inflamed or swollen gums, loose teeth, tenderness around the teeth along the gum line, and bleeding gums are often the first signs and symptoms of gum disease. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, there are links between periodontal disease (gum disease) and several systemic diseases. The diseases include, but are not limited to, diabetes, osteoporosis, cancer, Alzheimer’s, respiratory diseases, and cardiovascular disease. Gum disease has also been linked to preterm childbirth. When handled in the early stages, gum disease is easily treated and has an excellent prognosis. 

Before brushing your teeth, always be sure to floss in between each tooth. This allows you to reach areas that your toothbrush can not, which helps remove any remaining food in the teeth and can help prevent bacterial growth. Regular dental cleanings are also important in the overall health of your gums. Your dentist will be able to examine your gums to check for any irregularities or signs of infection.

If you have any gum concerns or are in need of a regular cleaning, Cakmes Dental Studio is here to provide you with the best dental care available so that you can be confident in your healthy and beautiful smile. Our office offers a variety of periodontal care services to ensure that your gums stay in great shape. A few of the services we offer include periodontitis treatment, gingivitis treatment, bacterial infection treatment, and inflammation care. Contact our office at (865) 584-6163 or visit our website to schedule an appointment.   

Everything in the human body is connected in one way or another. The oral cavity is the intersection of medicine and dentistry and the window into a patient’s general health. Hundreds of diseases and medications impact the oral cavity, and pathologic conditions in the mouth have a more significant systemic impact than you might think. Periodontal disease is a prime example of systemic infection and is a topic not to take lightly since it can affect your overall health. 

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is an infection of the tissues that hold your teeth in place. It’s typically caused by inadequate brushing and flossing habits that allow plaque – a sticky film of bacteria – to build on the teeth and harden. Research has shown that periodontal disease can lead to heart disease, potential strokes, diabetes, respiratory diseases, etc. 

Research struggles to determine precisely how issues with gum diseases cause heart disease, but the association is strong. Over time it has been suggested that periodontal disease can increase the risk for heart disease in an otherwise healthy individual. Further research by scientists in the field has found an association between periodontal disease and suffering a stroke. The relationship, similar to heart disease, is currently unclear; research has found that those who suffer a stroke were more likely to have an oral infection than those who are not victims of a stroke. 

Research also suggests that those with diabetes are more likely to have gum disease than those without diabetes. Diabetes makes it easier for people to succumb to infection, and the more out of control their diabetes is, the more likely they are to contract gum disease. When you have gum disease, you have a dangerous bacteria in your mouth. This bacteria can be sucked down to the lungs and cause hazardous respiratory disorders, which is extremely dangerous, especially during this coronavirus pandemic. 

Taking care of your mouth, teeth, and gums is crucial to having good health. Taking care of your oral health will decrease your risk of other health issues. You can easily prevent periodontal disease by brushing your teeth, flossing, using mouthwash, and getting a dentist’s routine dental cleaning. The team at Cakmes Dental Studio would love to help you keep your oral health in tip-top shape. Contact us today for a cleaning and check-in with our excellent dentists!

Dental Hygiene & Your Health

Did you know October is recognized as Dental Hygiene Month? We all know that skipping brushing and flossing can lead to cavities, gingivitis, and tooth loss, but studies have shown that poor oral hygiene can affect your whole body. From heart disease to low birth rate, forgetting to take good care of your mouth can take a toll on your body.

Here are a few diseases that poor oral hygiene can play a part in:

• Cardiovascular disease
  Some studies show that bacterial infection in the mouth and gums can move into the bloodstream, attach to fatty plaques and cause inflammation in the blood vessels, increasing the risk of clots.
• Dementia 
  Some studies suggest there is a correlation between periodontal disease and increased risk of dementia. The bacteria from gingivitis may enter the brain through the nervous system or the bloodstream leading to Alzheimer’s disease.
• Diabetic complications
  Gum disease is more frequent and severe among people who have diabetes. Periodontal disease can make it harder to control blood sugar and worsen diabetic symptoms.
• Pregnancy and Birth
  A study found in the NCBI confirms that mothers with Periodontal disease tend to produce relatively low birth weights as a result of poor dental hygiene.

Now that we know what poor hygiene and periodontal disease can cause, how do we prevent it?

• Find the right toothbrush
  Brush with a soft or extra soft toothbrush because medium and hard bristles can damage enamel.
• Floss Daily
  Brushing only cleans 70% of tooth surface area leaving a whopping 30% to be reached only through flossing.
• Schedule regular dental check-ups and cleanings
  Tartar buildup cannot be cleaned with just regular brushing and flossing, dentists need to remove tartar buildup to prevent oral disease. They also check for oral and throat cancer.
• Brush at least twice a day for two whole minutes
  Studies show that brushing for two minutes reduces plaque considerably compared to one minute of brushing. Brush a minimum of twice daily for two minutes each for optimal oral hygiene.
• Brush more than just your teeth
  Gums, tongue, and top of your mouth also harbor bacteria so make sure to give them a good brush too.

If you think you may be experiencing periodontal disease, Cakmes Dental Studio in Knoxville is here to help. We are currently accepting new patients. Call (865) 584-6163 to schedule an appointment today!

Resources:

• https://abcnews.go.com/Health/Dental/ways-poor-dental-care-makes-sick/
• https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/dental/