Oral/Overall Health Linked
Did you know that a healthy smile can contribute to good overall health? Well, it’s true. What happens in your mouth doesn’t stay there! Think of your mouth as a gateway to the rest of your body. Bad oral bacteria can access your body through the mouth, with the potential to wreak havoc with the delicate workings of internal systems.
One of the biggest culprits that can threaten your smile and your body is gum disease. This chronic inflammatory condition can do a number on teeth and gums, and it’s been linked with a long list of conditions that impact quality of life. Studies have shown a correlation between gum disease and diabetes complications, heart disease, dementia, low birth weight and pre-term birth, lung issues, osteoporosis, and more.
Dr. Woody Domingoes and Dr. Maria Valdes-Domingoes at Anastasia Dental Associates want St. Augustine FL residents to have healthy smiles and healthy bodies. They offer targeted treatments for gum disease to promote good health and peace of mind.
Gum Disease Stages & Treatments
Gum disease can begin innocently enough, with swollen gum tissue and some bleeding following brushing and flossing. But don’t be lulled into thinking that these symptoms are harmless. They’re the early warning signs of gum disease. At this stage, gum disease is called gingivitis, and it’s curable with a cleaning at the dentist’s office and diligent home care.
If not treated, however, gingivitis can progress. As the bacteria that cause gum disease multiply, you may notice chronic bad breath, more inflamed gum tissue, and teeth that begin to feel loose as the bonds that hold teeth and gum tissue together are destroyed. To treat this stage of gum disease, the doctor may recommend a deep dental cleaning and topical antibiotic therapy to alleviate symptoms and put you on the road to good oral health.
The most advanced stage of gum disease, called periodontitis, can cause tooth, gum, and bone loss. (Gum disease is the leading cause of adult tooth loss.) The preferred treatment at this stage may be surgery to remove infected tissue.
Customized Care
Obviously, we want to help you prevent gum disease. A good way to do this is by attending regular dental checkups and cleanings, as well as brushing at least twice a day and flossing daily. More frequent brushing and flossing is fine, too! If you do develop gum disease, we’ll help you select the optimal treatment for your unique case and then work to give you a healthy smile for life.
If you live in or near St. Augustine FL, call Anastasia Dental Associates today to schedule an appointment with one of our doctors.