A Healthy Mouth Leads To A Healthy Body – Don’t Overlook The Symptoms Of Gum Disease

If you have symptoms or signs of gum disease, it’s essential to learn the causes so you can take preventative measures after seeing a professional.

Did you know the health of your mouth has a direct correlation to the health of your body? A great way to gain insight into your health and well-being is to find out what’s going on inside your mouth. It’s common for people with chronic ailments, including heart disease, diabetes, and lung disease, to also have gum disease. Sometimes referred to as “periodontal disease”,  gum disease is common but fairly preventable. Regular visits to a dentist for treatments and cosmetic dentistry services can help you keep your oral health in check.

What Causes Gum Disease?

Most often, poor hygiene is what causes gum disease although genetics can contribute as well. However, certain chronic illnesses can also lead to gum disease and vice versa, meaning having gum disease can raise the risk and severity of some chronic illnesses. Following is a list of chronic conditions that commonly occur with gum disease:

• Arthritis
• Diabetes
• Emphysema (and other respiratory diseases)
• Heart Disease
• High Blood Pressure
• HIV
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease
• Leukemia
• Liver Disease
• Obesity
• Premature Births
• Stroke

Tobacco use, including cigarettes, chew, e-cigs, hookah, and so on, increases the risk of developing gum disease too. The longer you use a tobacco product, the worse the chance for gum disease will likely become. Medications used to treat hypertension, allergies, depression, and pain can cause a problem in the form of dry mouth. With that, there’s a higher occurrence of tooth decay and gum disease. Fluctuating hormones during pregnancy and menopause, along with stress, can also trigger gum disease.

The Most Common Gum Disease Symptoms

Learning about gum disease symptoms can save your life. Remember, gum disease is a source of infection and inflammation that affects bone and tissue required to support your teeth. Plaque, the sticky film that forms on teeth and tartar, which hardens on teeth and spreads below the gumline leads to an infection. In response, gums become inflamed, red, sore, and they even bleed. Keep in mind that bleeding gums when brushing and flossing is not normal and a warning sign of trouble.

Ignoring gum disease symptoms can wreak havoc on your mouth. For instance, periodontal disease is the number one reason why adults lose their teeth.

In the early stages, the body responds with inflamed gums, which is gingivitis. If not treated, it can quickly turn into a more serious progression of the disease. Fortunately, gingivitis is reversible, which is why regular checkups with Dr. Robin and a hygienist two to four times a year are so important. Prevention is the key to maintaining a healthy mouth and body as well as your overall facial aesthetics.

If you don’t have gingivitis treated, it can become periodontitis. Although not painful, this can lead to bone loss and gum recession. Over time as roots become exposed, you would likely experience sensitivity and pain. Gum disease, which is progressive, worsens over time as the body reacts to the toxins produced by bad bacteria. Without proper care, bone and tissue break down, causing tooth decay and loss.

Learn the warning signs of gum disease. That way, you can schedule an appointment with Dr. Robin at Metro Smiles right away.

• Bleeding gums when brushing and flossing.
• Red, swollen, and tender gums.
• Flabby gums that don’t hug the teeth tightly.
• Lingering bad breath.
• Foul taste in the mouth.
• Pus around the gumline.
• Teeth that feel loose when biting down.

Not everyone has symptoms of gum disease, making it all the more important to see Dr. Robin at Metro Smiles for general dentistry check-ups regularly.

How to Prevent Gum Disease

There are several ways how to prevent gum disease. Along with seeing Dr. Robin and her hygienist several times per year, consider the following:

• Floss and brush using a power toothbrush like Sonicare and fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day.
• Rinse with an alcohol-free, antibacterial, fluoride-containing mouthwash several times per week.
• Tell your dentist about any health-related changes.
• Avoid tobacco.
• Drink 64-ounces of water a day, chew sugarless gum, and eat healthy snacks to manage dry mouth.
• Maintain a healthy diet.
• Use a night guard to prevent grinding and clenching your teeth.
• Be mindful of the effect of some medications and dry mouth issues.

Visit Our Greenwood Village Office for the Treatment of Gum Disease

Through our office in Greenwood Village, we take care of patients throughout the Denver metropolitan area who suffer from gum disease. During your appointment with Dr. Robin, she’ll go over all your options and guide you to the best treatment. Dr. Asbury, who is also the owner of Metro Smiles, has been named a 5280 Top Dentist for 14 consecutive years.

If you have symptoms or have had a diagnosis of gum disease or any dental concerns, Dr. Robin will provide the appropriate treatment options. The hygienist will also take time to educate you on oral tips to keep your teeth and gums healthy. We are conveniently located in Greenwood Village and serve patients in Denver, Denver Tech Center, Englewood, Greenwood Village, Cherry Hills, Centennial, and beyond. Please call (303) 768-8443 to schedule an appointment. New patients are always welcome!