The Connection to Gum Health
Most people never actually think about their gums. They seem like such an insignificant part of your body that you only consider their presence when you brush or floss your teeth or during a dental exam. And even if you develop periodontal disease, you may not notice that they are infected, at least not until the issue has progressed to a critical point.
But those insignificant gums have been in the news a lot over the last few years. Suddenly, they seem pretty important to your overall health. And when you consider that an estimated 200 million Americans have some type of gum disease, the issue begins to seem even more serious.
That’s why the Burkburnett Family Dental team and Dr. Clark pay such close attention to your gums at every visit. We know that catching gum disease early is the best way to make sure it can be easily treated before it puts your health at risk. In addition to treating periodontal disease, we provide restorative dentistry treatments to new and existing patients in Burburnett, Texas.
Periodontal Disease and How Does it Affect Me?
Gum disease starts with a build-up of the sticky bacteria that form on everyone’s teeth: plaque. You may think of plaque as cavity-causing and dulling to your teeth. When it builds up at the gum line, which is where it seems to collect the most, it can lead to infection.
Everyone knows that when there is an infection present in the body, it can cause health issues. When those unassuming little gums become infected, they allow that infection to flood into your bloodstream and cause your body to have an inflammatory response.
This response can lead to all kinds of problems, such as:
- Heart attacks
- Strokes
- Some cancers, including pancreatic cancer
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Complications of diabetes
- Premature birth, low-birth weight babies
- Blood infections
- Difficulties with joint replacements
- Heart infections when valve problems are present
- Immune system compromise
As you can see, periodontal disease is nothing to ignore.
If you experience any of the following symptoms, please call us right away:
- Bleeding when brushing or flossing
- Puffiness or tenderness of the gums
- Halitosis (bad breath)
- Loose-feeling teeth
How Does Burkburnett Family Dental Check for and Treat Gum Disease?
The team at Burkburnett Family Dental has invested in advanced training to screen and check you for the very first signs of gum disease. We also use ultrasonic scalers at your regularly scheduled cleanings to effectively clear away dangerous bacteria buildup and prevent gum disease before it starts.
If we do find that you have already developed a gum infection, our advanced treatments, including laser gum therapy, can quickly and painlessly clear and heal your gums of infection so your whole body becomes healthier.
Call us today for more information about periodontal disease or to schedule your periodontal screening. We are here to keep your healthy smile, body, and spirit!