Visit the Dentist to Keep Your Gums and Heart Healthy

Regular trips to the Dentist are important for keeping your teeth and gums healthy.  Scientists have also found links between heart health and the health of your gums.  In fact, 91 percent of people with a heart condition suffer from gum disease.  This is an important statistic to remember because heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women.  Regular dental care may help to reduce the overall risk of a health problem.  Additionally, if gum disease is identified during a routine dental exam, you should visit your general physician to have your heart checked.

Gum disease is a condition that can typically be prevented with good oral hygiene and dental care.  By brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing, and rinsing with antiseptic mouthwash, you can reduce the risk of both cavities and gum disease.  Combine that with a trip to the dentist at least twice a year in order to prevent infection and catch signs of disease in its early stages.  People can also reduce their risk by not smoking or using chewing tobacco.

Signs of Gum Disease
If you notice any symptoms of gum disease, it is important to call the dentist and schedule a dental exam.  Early signs include gums that are swollen and red.  They may also start to bleed when brushing and feel uncomfortable while eating.  As the condition grows, gums will recede, and teeth will appear longer.  Severe gum disease also forms pockets in the gum tissue that resembles small holes and is easy to notice.

Treatment Options
If we notice signs of gingivitis during a routine dental exam, we will typically treat the condition by deep cleaning the area.  In this procedure, bacteria are removed from underneath the gums as well as on and around them. By removing the bacteria, the gums can typically heal themselves.  This is an easy solution that can be performed fairly quickly and with minimal recovery time.  On the other hand, when gum disease advances, more significant treatments may be necessary.  For example, once a pocket forms in the gum tissue the dentist may need to complete a gum graft using tissue from the roof of your mouth.  This is important for making sure that the gums can cover the teeth again and protect them from bacteria.

The Dentist Provides Preventative Care
Preventing gum disease is extremely important.  Doing so is much easier than treating it after the fact.  Simply schedule a teeth cleaning twice a year so that our dental hygienist can remove bacteria from your teeth and gums.  At home care is also important but it is difficult to reach every place within your mouth, making professional care essential.  For pregnant women, this is even more important.  Gum disease has been shown to cause premature labor and low birth weight deliveries.  Dental care needs to be part of any pregnant woman’s health care routine in order to protect herself and her child.  To learn more or to schedule an appointment, call Star Dental today.