Dentists Take Care of More Than Just Your Mouth

Gum disease is a very common problem and affects as many as three out of four Americans in the United States today. There are a variety of factors that contribute to gum disease and a wide variety in levels of severity. Often, if gum disease is caught early, dentists can help slow or stop the progression of minor gum disease from advancing to more dangerous forms of periodontitis. Read on to learn how dentists protect your overall health by promoting healthy gums and teeth.

The main cause of periodontitis and gum disease is the build-up of plaque caused by bacteria and tartar accumulation. However, dentists warn that a number of other factors can either cause or contribute to gum disease and should be reduced or avoided if at all possible. Some of these extraneous factors include use of chewing or smoking tobacco, clenching and grinding teeth together (either consciously or while asleep), some drugs and medications, as well as unavoidable genetics. In short, if your parents or grandparents suffered from idiopathic gum disease, the odds are high that you might as well.

Dentists recommend cutting down or cutting out tobacco products completely and the reasons for this are often obvious. Not only can it adversely affect the health of your oral cavity and gums, but it is also detrimental to your lungs, skin and many other internal organs. On top of everything else, tobacco stains and yellows the teeth.

So, how does preventing gum disease help promote overall health? Certain chronic and potentially deadly health conditions such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, kidney disease, and preterm birth of babies can be prevented or avoided by promoting healthy gums. Gum disease is potentially linked to heart disease and stroke due to the high level of bacteria found in the mouth. This bacteria can be linked to other areas of the body or may cause inflammation and result in increased susceptibility to inflammation in the heart and blood vessels.

It is almost inevitable that people with chronic kidney disease or diabetes have some for of gum disease. Dentists advise that people with diabetes should take extra care when flossing and brushing in order to avoid advancing the disorder to a more drastic level. High blood glucose can contribute to the proliferation of bacteria in the mouth and should be closely monitored with regular oral cavity cleanings.

Pregnant women with gum disease have been shown to be three to five times more likely to give birth to their baby before they reach their full-term 37 week age. Premature babies face numerous health problems and complications. Dentists have advised women that are pregnant to be extra vigilant with their dental routine in order to prevent and avoid advancement of the disease. Careful brushing and flossing, along with regular check-ups and cleanings should help the pregnancy continue in a healthy and uneventful manner.