Understand The Periodontal And Systemic Connection
With recent advancements in dentistry, and further research
, brushing and flossing has become more important than ever. Research points to a potential link between gum disease and ongoing inflammation from gum disease with heart disease, artery blockages, and stroke. Some diseases are associated with an increased risk of infections, such as diabetes, which increases the risk of gingival and periodontal inflammation and infections. When there is an underlying condition in play, your dentist may be able to draw an important connection between your oral health and your overall health.
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is an infection of the tissues and bones that surround and support the teeth. The two stages of gum disease are called gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is a mild gum disease that surrounds the teeth and is often treatable. Periodontitis is gum disease that gets worse and spreads below the gums to damage the tissues and bone that support the teeth.
Gingivitis causes red, swollen gums that bleed easily when you brush your teeth. Because you normally do not experience pain with gingivitis, many people don't get the treatment they need. When gingivitis is not treated, it could develop into periodontitis. With periodontitis, the gums begin to pull away from the teeth, leaving deep pockets where bacteria can grow and damage the bone that supports the teeth.
The Link Between Your Mouth and Body
One of the main connections between oral health and systemic health is the health of your heart. Chronic gum disease has been shown to lead to the development of heart disease because your mouth is the pathway for damaging organisms to the rest of your body. Studies show that oral health can provide warning signs for heart disease, and it can be identified through a visit to your dentist in Troy.
According to the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), since the mouth is a pathway to the body, if you have chronic gum disease you are at a higher risk for a heart attack. More than 90 percent of all systemic diseases have oral symptoms. According to the AGD, proper diagnosis and treatment of tooth and gum infections in patients with a history of heart disease have led to a decrease in blood pressure medications and improved overall health.
Systemic Diseases Lower Your Body's Resistance to Infection
Diseases like diabetes, blood cell disorders, HIV infections and AIDS lower the body's resistance to infection, making periodontal disease more severe. People with diabetes are often also more likely to develop and have more severe periodontitis than non-diabetics. This makes preventative care more important than ever before if you have diabetes in order to protect your mouth from developing dangerous cases of gum disease.
Some studies suggest that periodontitis can make it more difficult for those suffering from diabetes to control their blood sugar, as well. Although periodontitis may relate to these health concerns, this does not mean that one condition causes the other. More study continues to further explore these correlations.
Oral Changes Throughout a Woman's Life
Oral changes continue to become evident during different stages of a woman's life, including:
*Pregnancy
*Use of oral contraceptives
*Menopause
During pregnancy, hormone levels can make gum tissues more sensitive to plaque due to increased levels of progesterone in your system. These can cause red, puffy or tender gums. Additionally, the use of oral contraceptives can also significantly change your oral health. One of the most common problems for women who take oral contraceptives, or birth control pills, is that they may experience gums that bleed easily in response to any irritants in your mouth as food or plaque. Menopause may also result in oral changes, including physical changes of the mouth such as irritating sensations, altered sense of taste, and dry mouth.
Dry Mouth
Although dry mouth is not a disease, it is a common complaint when there is a lack of saliva in the mouth. Dry mouth can cause a burning feeling, tooth decay, bad breath and infections of the oral soft tissue. It can be caused by allergy medications, cold and high blood pressure and medications. Your dentist in Troy can help you with strategies to help relieve dry mouth and keep your saliva constant.
Talk to your Troy dentists today for more information on how you can further protect your mouth in order to protect your entire body.
by: Gen Wright
Denver Paving, Concrete, And Rose Paving Company Benefits Of Website Designing And Development Corporation Diagnosing And Dealing With Dog Teeth Diseases Say Good Bye To The Plain White Envelopes And Enjoy The Fantastic Range Of Coloured Envelopes. Prevent Gum Disease And Choose Dental Implants What Is The Difference Between Pre-diabetes And Type 2 Diabetes? Why I Hate Schnitzel Dogs And Avoid The Drips That Own Them Ask A Doctor Live Chat Is Very Quick And Easy Bali Makeup For Wedding And Prewedding Your Future And Lines Of Your Palm How Much Does A Dentist Make And How To Maximize It Even Further Dominating And Destroying Delays Rain Barrel So Precious And A Must