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!

If your gums are swollen, appear bright red or purplish, bleed easily, and feel tender when touched, you may be suffering from periodontitis.

What is periodontitis?

Periodontitis is a serious gum condition that can damage the soft tissues and destroys the bones that support the teeth. It’s often a result of bacteria that’s been allowed to accumulate on the teeth and gums.

Most cases of periodontitis results from the accumulation of plaque. It’s a sticky film that’s comprised mainly of bacteria. 

When we neglect our dental hygiene, plaque can accumulate and harden under the gumline. The longer it stays there, the harder it is to remove.

If left unmanaged, plaque accumulation can cause gingivitis, a mild form of periodontitis. Ongoing gum inflammation can eventually lead to periodontitis and other complications.

What are the signs and symptoms of periodontitis?

Aside from red, swollen gums that bleed easily, periodontitis may also cause the development of new spaces between your teeth, the formation of pus between teeth and gums, bad breath, painful chewing, and loose teeth.

Is periodontitis treatable?

Periodontitis can be treated. The earlier it is detected, the better the treatment outcome. 

Cakmes Dental Studio provides periodontal care. We assess your gum condition and recommend the most suitable options for you. 

Our Periodontal Care Services include periodontitis treatment, gingivitis treatment, bacterial infection treatment, and  inflammation care.

Periodontitis is a highly preventable and treatable disease. While basic dental care habits such as brushing and flossing can help, seeing a dentist can help prevent the progression of early-stage gum disease.

To schedule an appointment, you may call us at (865) 588-8202.

References:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/periodontitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20354473

https://www.healthline.com/health/periodontitis