When you think about your overall wellness, you probably consider major factors like blood pressure, cholesterol, and weight. But you should think about the health of your gums, too. Gum disease can have a major impact on your health and may increase your risk for life-threatening conditions. That is why periodontics is such a vital part of your dental treatment.
At Dental Care of Lombard, Dr. Julie Glud offers complete periodontics for every stage of gum disease. By treating periodontitis, she can often prevent serious dental damage. Treatment may even ward off systemic health threats.
If you have been diagnosed with gum disease, or if you are suffering any of the symptoms, contact us today for an appointment.
What is gum disease?
Gum disease is a bacterial infection. Plaque and tartar accumulate on teeth over time, providing an unlimited source of food for harmful microbes. As the bacteria multiply, they move to the gums. At first, they may only cause some minor irritation. In this initial phase, the condition is called gingivitis, and it is reversible.
Left alone, however, bacteria will continue to grow. As they do, they will make pockets in the gums, leading to bleeding, severe discomfort, and – eventually – tooth loss. When the disease has progressed to this stage, it is called periodontitis, and there is no cure.
Periodontitis is an alarmingly common condition. It affects nearly half of all adults over the age of 30 and over 70% of senior citizens.
Gum Health and Heart Health Go Hand-in-Hand
As if the effects on your oral health weren’t enough, patients with periodontitis are two to three times more likely to experience a stroke, heart attack, or other catastrophic cardiac event.
What is less clear is the reason for this connection. Some scientists believe that chronic inflammation in the gums leads to inflammation in other parts of the body, including the arteries. Others believe that bacteria from the gums actually make their way to the heart through the bloodstream. Still others posit that there is not a direct causal link. Rather, certain lifestyle factors, such as smoking and a poor diet, increase the risk for both gum and heart disease.
Other Health Concerns Related to Gum Disease
Although the link between gum and cardiovascular health is perhaps the most well-known, gum disease has also been associated with other serious health problems. These include:
- Diabetes
- Cancer
- Respiratory disease
- Alzheimer’s disease
Your Treatment Options
Though research is ongoing regarding the causal relationship of oral and systemic health problems, the importance of healthy gums is undisputed. Of course, prevention of periodontitis is the most important treatment. Key preventive measures include brushing, flossing, and regular dental cleanings.
Once periodontitis sets in, scaling and root planing is the most common treatment. Dr. Glud will carefully remove diseased gum tissue and disinfect your gums to eliminate bacteria. She will then scale (or smooth) your tooth roots. By removing microscopic crevasses, she also eradicates areas where bacteria could proliferate.
Although scaling and root planing is not a cure, with proper dental care in the future, you could avoid tooth loss and enjoy overall health.
Learn More about Periodontics
Protect your smile and physical well-being with appropriate periodontal treatment.
Book an appointment at our Lombard, IL, office online or call (630) 629-5700.
