Periodontal Disease
Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss among adults
This serious oral health issue can lead to bone degeneration, gum recession and in some cases even tooth loss. The early stage of gum disease is known as gingivitis, and if this is left untreated it can progress to an advanced oral health issue known as periodontitis. Gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) is often a precursor to periodontitis (gum disease), however not all cases of gingivitis lead to periodontitis.
The best way to ensure that gingivitis does not lead to periodontitis is to visit the dentist. By visiting Beecroft Dental Centre on a regular basis, we can help you maintain optimal oral health.
The symptoms of periodontal disease can include:
- Bad breath that won’t go away
- Red, inflamed or swollen gums
- Tender or bleeding gums
- Painful chewing
- Loose teeth
- Sensitive teeth
Receding gums or longer appearing teeth
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to arrange an appointment at our Beecroft dental practice to catch periodontal disease in its early stages.
The link between gum disease and overall health
What links gum disease and your overall health is inflammation. Normal levels of inflammation are good: it is your body’s defence against a foreign body like bacteria, toxins or a virus. In the event that your body is continually exposed to injury by toxins or foods it was not meant to process, you get what is called chronic inflammation.
Just as normal levels of inflammation are good for us; chronic inflammation is the exact opposite. Research has shown that there is a strong link between gum disease and a number of serious health conditions. Some of those serious health conditions are:
- Stroke
- Diabetes
- Cancer
- Heart disease
- Heart attacks
- Chronic kidney disease
- Alzheimer’s
It has been suggested that the chronic inflammation and bacteria caused by gum disease travels through the body and contributes to these factors. One piece of research, looking at a group of women between the ages of seventy and ninety, concluded that women with gum disease and missing teeth were far more likely to develop Alzheimer’s than those with healthy teeth and gums.
By proactively treating gum disease in its early stages, we can help you maintain your smile for life and support your overall health and wellbeing. At Beecroft Dental Centre, we provide a comprehensive gum disease treatment plan to enrich both your oral and overall health for life. Don’t neglect your oral health; visit us today to find out how we can help you.