Since September is National Gum Care Month, more and more dentists are encouraging their patients to take better care of their gums. These soft tissues in your mouth are susceptible to many different diseases and can easily become infected if not properly treated. The connection between the mouth and body make it so that when gum disease in North Central San Antonio is present, bigger problems can arise within the body, causing serious issues for your overall well-being. Find out more about this common, yet, harmful condition and what you should do to keep your gum health in check.
Ways Gum Disease Affects Your Body
Also known as periodontal disease, gum disease can range in severity. Mild cases are often classified as gingivitis, which can cause the gums to appear red and inflamed. With thorough dental cleanings and good oral hygiene habits used at home, this early stage of gum disease can actually be reversed.
Should gingivitis accelerate and become what is known as periodontitis, patients can expect to see deep gum pockets that can easily trap harmful bacteria and food particles, as well as bleeding and infected gums. The only way for the situation to worsen is for it to progress into advanced periodontitis, which often results in bone and tooth loss.
If at any point while a patient is dealing with gum disease, the infection and inflammation enter the bloodstream, it can travel to different areas of the body and create serious problems, such as:
- Heart attack or stroke
- Diabetes
- Premature birth or low birth weight
- Alzheimer’s or Dementia
- Osteoporosis
- Respiratory disease
- Cancer
How to Protect Your Gums and Keep Them Healthy
Because the mouth and body are so closely interconnected, there are steps you should take to protect your gums from becoming diseased. Your teeth aren’t the only areas of your mouth that need to remain healthy, so in order to achieve better gum health, here are a few tips you should follow:
- Schedule your six-month dental checkups and cleanings, so you can be sure your dentist is catching any problems before they start
- Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste for two minutes, twice a day. If necessary, inquire about a toothpaste that is designed to combat gum disease.
- Floss after every meal and rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash.
- Replace your old toothbrush every few months, as they can hold bacteria.
- Maintain a well-balanced diet, eating healthy foods and avoiding those loaded down with sugar and starch, as they can lead to bacterial growth on your teeth and gums.
Don’t let your gum health decline. By following the steps mentioned above, you can put yourself on the path to better oral health and avoid the need for periodontal therapy in North Central San Antonio. If you are already suffering from gum disease and require this type of therapy, make sure you keep your frequent dental appointments, so both you and your dentist can keep bacteria away while restoring your gum health.
About the Author
Dr. Brian Eck has 35 years of experience working in the field of dentistry. Attending Texas A&M University, he went on to earn his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio. Since 1984, he has been serving the people of San Antonio and its neighboring communities, providing high-quality dental care with a wide range of comprehensive services. It is Dr. Eck’s goal to help all his patients achieve healthy, beautiful smiles, so no matter the problem, whether it is a dental crown or gum disease, he will implement the proper treatment plan and use the appropriate tools to provide outstanding results. To learn more, contact us at (210) 361-8905.
