Did you know that over 42.2% of adults aged 30 years and older suffer from some form of periodontal disease? This common condition, if left untreated, can significantly impact your overall well-being, and addressing it early is essential for maintaining both oral and overall health.
At Keystone Rural Health Consortia, we provide top-notch periodontal care and preventative dental services to rural Pennsylvanians. Our team is here to help you achieve a healthy smile and improve your overall health. Schedule an appointment today for better oral care and wellness.
Understanding the connection between periodontal health and overall well-being is key to protecting your health. Keep reading to learn more.
What is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is an infection of the structures surrounding and supporting your teeth. These include the gums, bones, and ligaments that keep your teeth in place. It begins with plaque build-up on your teeth and can progress to more severe stages if left untreated.
The Link Between Oral Health and Overall Health
Many people don’t realize that oral health is closely connected to overall well-being. Poor oral hygiene and untreated gum disease can contribute to systemic diseases and other serious health complications.
Bacteria from gum infections can spread to different parts of the body, increasing the risk of conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease.
Here's how oral health problems affect the body:
Heart Disease and Stroke
Bacteria from infected gums can enter the bloodstream and contribute to plaque buildup in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Severe gum disease has been linked to higher blood pressure and an increased likelihood of cardiovascular problems.
Diabetes Complications
People with diabetes are more likely to develop gum disease due to their body’s reduced ability to fight infections.
Gum disease can make it harder to control blood sugar levels, worsening diabetes symptoms.
Alzheimer’s Disease and Cognitive Decline
Recent studies suggest a possible link between periodontal disease and Alzheimer’s disease. The bacteria associated with gum infections may contribute to inflammation in the brain, increasing the risk of cognitive decline.
Respiratory Problems
Poor oral health can lead to bacterial infections in the lungs, potentially causing pneumonia and other respiratory illnesses, especially in older adults.
Pregnancy and Birth Complications
Severe gum disease has been associated with preterm births and low birth weight babies. Pregnant women with poor oral health may also have an increased risk of developing preeclampsia.
Preventive Dental Care to Avoid Gum Disease
The good news is that periodontal disease is preventable with proper dental care and healthy habits. Taking care of your oral health can stop gum disease and lower the risk of complications.
Daily Oral Hygiene Practices
Good oral hygiene is the best way to prevent gum disease. Here’s what you can do daily:
- Brush Twice a Day: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to brush your teeth for two minutes, ensuring you clean along the gumline.
- Floss Once a Day: Flossing removes plaque and food debris from between the teeth, where brushing can’t reach. This helps prevent gum inflammation and infection.
- Use Antibacterial Mouthwash: A therapeutic mouthwash can help reduce bacteria, control plaque, and keep your gums healthy.
- Maintain a Balanced Diet: Avoid excessive sugar and acidic foods, which contribute to plaque buildup. Instead, choose foods rich in calcium, vitamin C, and fiber to support gum health.
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking water helps wash away bacteria and food particles that contribute to gum disease.
The Importance of Regular Dental Visits
Even with a great home care routine, professional dental care is necessary for keeping your gums healthy.
- Routine Cleanings: Professional cleanings every six months remove plaque and tartar buildup that regular brushing and flossing can’t eliminate.
- Early Detection of Gum Disease: A dentist or dental hygienist can identify early signs of gum disease, such as redness, swelling, or bleeding gums, and provide preventive treatments before the condition worsens.
- Customized Oral Health Guidance: Your dentist can assess your gum health and provide personalized recommendations to improve your at-home oral care routine.
Lifestyle Changes to Support Gum Health
Making small lifestyle adjustments can further help prevent gum disease and promote overall well-being:
- Quit Smoking and Tobacco Use: Tobacco products increase plaque buildup and significantly raise the risk of gum disease.
- Manage Stress: High stress levels can weaken the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off infections like gum disease.
- Get Enough Vitamin C: A vitamin C deficiency can lead to bleeding gums and increase the risk of gum infections.
How Keystone Can Help You Achieve Better Oral Health
If you already have gum disease, there are effective treatment options available, depending on the stage and severity of your condition. At Keystone Rural Health Consortia, we provide non-surgical and surgical periodontal treatments to help restore gum health and prevent further complications.
Non-Surgical Periodontal Treatments
For mild to moderate gum disease, non-invasive treatments can effectively reduce infection and restore gum health.
- Scaling and Root Planing: A deep cleaning procedure that removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline. The tooth roots are also smoothed to help the gums reattach properly.
- Antibiotic Therapy: Antimicrobial agents are used to kill bacteria and reduce inflammation in the gums. This can be in the form of antibiotic gels, oral medications, or prescription mouthwashes.
- Professional Teeth Cleaning: Routine dental cleanings help prevent gum disease and remove plaque buildup that contributes to infection.
Surgical Periodontal Treatments
In severe cases, where gum disease has led to significant gum recession or bone loss, surgical interventions may be necessary.
- Soft Tissue Grafting: Gum tissue is taken from another part of the mouth (typically the roof of the mouth) and used to cover exposed tooth roots and restore lost gum tissue.
Prescription Mouthwash & At-Home Care
As part of your treatment plan, your dentist may recommend antibacterial mouthwash or special oral hygiene products to help control bacteria and prevent reinfection.
Signs You Should See a Dentist
Regular dental checkups are the best way to maintain good oral health and catch gum disease early. However, if you experience any of the following symptoms, it’s crucial to schedule a dental appointment as soon as possible:
- Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing.
- Red, swollen, or tender gums that may be receding from the teeth.
- Pus between your teeth and gums.
- Persistent bad breath or a foul taste in your mouth.
- Changes in your bite or the way your teeth fit together.
- Loose or shifting teeth.
- Visible pockets between your gums and teeth.
Protect Your Smile with Keystone!
Healthy gums are essential to maintaining not only a confident smile but also your overall well-being. Keystone offers professional periodontal treatments to help prevent, manage, and treat gum disease effectively.
Schedule an appointment today to take the first step toward healthier gums and a healthier life. Our expert team is here to support your dental health with accessible, high-quality gum disease treatments in rural Pennsylvania.
