T
he majority of Americans hold a common and dangerous misconception regarding oral health; they believe that the health of the mouth does not have a correlation to overall physical and emotional wellness. The truth is that your oral health has a direct and dramatic impact on the health of your body and mind. This doesn’t just mean your teeth, either; it also includes your gums. If your gums are threatened by gum disease, then your body becomes threatened as well.
How Do We Define Gum Disease?
Your gums are meant to protect and support your teeth the same way that your skin is meant to protect and support your muscles and bones. When poor oral habits allow bacteria, food particles, and other debris to invade the small spaces between your teeth and worth their way into your gums, they fester and trigger inflammation and infection in the gums. Over time, if those issues aren’t treated, they are likely to progress into gum disease. The first stage of gum disease, called gingivitis, can be reversed with strategic oral care and regular dental checkups, but the more advanced stage of gum disease called periodontitis is more difficult to resolve. Periodontitis occurs when the gums pull away from the teeth, bone and ligaments in the mouth begin to break down, and teeth fall out.
Gum Disease Threatens Your Quality of Life
Unfortunately, gum disease doesn’t just cause damage and pain in your mouth. It is also associated with many diseases like diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and pneumonia. The relationship between diabetes and gum disease, for example, goes both ways. People with diabetes are more likely to suffer from periodontal disease, and those with periodontal disease might have a harder time controlling their blood sugar levels. Studies also show that periodontal disease increases the risk of heart disease due to inflammation. The inflammation caused by gum disease can worsen existing heart conditions and place extra strain on the heart itself.
The good news is that gum disease can be minimized or even reversed with the right medical and dental attention. At Dental Implant Solutionz in Largo, Florida, Dr. Tadros utilizes non-surgical laser treatments called LANAP therapy to combat moderate to severe gum infections. This soft tissue laser precisely sterilizes infection gum tissue, destroys bacteria, and helps healthy gums reattach to the teeth. Since Dr. Tadros has been a LANAP provider since 2011, he has years of experience helping patients regain their health with the simple yet effective treatment. Call (727) 202-4926 to make your first appointment, stand up to gum disease, and restore your mouth (and body!) back to health.
