Gum Disease and Your Health in Santa Monica
We most closely associate dentists with our teeth, but the fact is that a good portion of what we do here at Dr. Carol E. Follette’s office pertains to keeping the gums healthy, too. In fact, periodontal (gum) disease can cause significant health issues if left unaddressed, though a visit to your Santa Monica, CA dental office to address problems as they arise is a great way to help keep those health issues from arising.
What is Gum Disease?
Periodontal disease amounts to an infection of the gum tissues that hold teeth in place. It most often occurs due to poor oral hygiene habits, as brushing and flossing twice per day are considered the best defense against gum disease. The main cause of gum disease is a buildup and hardening of plaque on the teeth, especially near the gumline, and it can lead to sore, bleeding gums, issues with chewing, and in the worst cases, the loss of teeth.
Signs of Gum Disease
What are some of the indicators that you may be dealing with periodontal disease? Symptoms include:
- Red, swollen gums
- Tender or bleeding gums
- Pain while chewing
- Chronic bad breath
- Loose teeth
- Sensitive teeth
- Receding gums that make the teeth appear longer than they should
If you are experiencing one or more of these symptoms, it’s possible you could have at least some mild periodontitis.
What Other Health Problems Can Arise from Gum Disease?
An increasing number of studies have proven that periodontal disease has a clear correlation to other, non-oral health problems. Some of these include:
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Dementia
- Premature birth and low birth weight (for pregnant women)
Why do these correlations exist? According to WebMD, there isn’t a clear answer, but the best guess has something to do with the bacteria that builds up in the gums and slowly escapes into the bloodstream, where it does more widespread damage.
In these studies, the most common symptom is gum inflammation, most notably in heart disease and arthritis. In short, taking better care of your gums could mean you stay healthy in ways that have seemingly nothing to do with your teeth.
What Dr. Carole E. Follette Can Do to Help
If you are diagnosed with gum disease, what options are available to you? Well, if the symptoms are not severe, Dr. Follette will most likely encourage a more regimented brushing and flossing routine. Often, regular brushing and flossing can alleviate minor symptoms.
In cases that are more severe, however, some dental intervention may be necessary. For starters, Dr. Follette is a certified Santa Monica laser periodontal dentist, which means she can use innovative, non-surgical periodontal treatment options to improve gum disease symptoms. Laser therapy can eliminate harmful bacteria while also strengthening gum tissue regeneration. It’s a great way to get your gums in better shape before the worst symptoms can set in.
If you think you may be experiencing gum disease and would like a consultation to discuss laser therapy or other options, simply contact Dr. Follette’s office and we’ll get you back on track to having healthy gums and an overall healthier you!