Things Your Family Dentist Will Tell You About Gum Health

Your family dentist knows a lot about you, even though he or she might only see you twice a year for regular checkups. The reason for this is that your gums and teeth tell a lot about your overall health, including whether or not you may be at increased risk for diseases such as diabetes or heart disease.

Research is beginning to show overwhelmingly that the condition of your mouth is an indication of the condition of your body overall. If you have excellent oral health, there is a greater likelihood that your overall health is good as well. Conversely, if you have poor oral health, you are likely to have other health problems elsewhere in your body. In fact, your family dentist can show you a growing body of research indicating that good oral health can actually protect your body from disease.

The Academy of General Dentistry acknowledges a link between gum disease (also known as periodontal disease) and serious health issues such as diabetes, heart disease and stroke. Your family dentist will tell you that women with gum disease have an increased risk for low-weight, pre-term babies.

Signs of gum disease are swollen, red or purple gum tissue, gums that bleed when you floss or brush, bad breath and gum recession. Signs may also include pain when chewing, loose teeth, and a visible build-up of calcified plaque or tartar along the gumlines.

If your family dentist advises you that you have mild to moderate gum disease, it’s possible to reverse the symptoms significantly within a week by brushing gently twice a day and flossing thoroughly around the tooth. Your family dentist will recommend additional routine cleanings for maintenance of the condition, generally every three months until the symptoms are managed.

Talk to your family dentist in Shreveport to get tips about how you can care for your gums, and thereby for your entire body. Stay healthy for life, starting with your gums!

If you need a dentist in Shreveport, contact us today