Southwest Florida's Health and Wellness Magazine Health and Wellness Articles
Gum health is very important not only for your teeth but also for the rest of your body.
Your gums should be pink and tight against the teeth. Signs of gum disease (Gingivitis) are bleeding, swollen gums, bad breadth (halitosis), metallic taste receding gums and sensitive teeth. Bacteria left untreated settles around the gums and grows. The body reacts by bringing in cells to fight the foreign invader which causes a progression from Gingivtis to Periodontal Disease. The process of inflammation in the mouth over time can cause devastating affects on the teeth, leading to tooth loss. Periodontal Disease is the most. Common reason for tooth loss. Periodontal Disease is the 6th most common disease affecting the human population world wide.
The affects of the bacteria causing inflammation in the mouth can affect other areas of the body. The bacteria can travel through the bloodstream and settle in other areas of the body.
Research has shown that there is a correlation between gum disease and hardening of the arteries and severe blockage of the large arteries. Bacteria from the mouth has also been found in artherosclerotic plaques. People with gum disease have two to three times the risk of having a heart attack, stroke, or other serious cardiovascular event.
The good news gum disease can be treated with proper professional treatment.
Gum disease, from the early stage of Gingivits to disease progression, Periodontal Disease can be managed. Your dentist should be examining your gingival health at every dental visit to determine early signs of gum disease. Dental cleaning treatments can be a prophylaxis (health mouth cleaning), gingivitis prophylaxis (Ginigivitis cleaning), scaling and root planing (active Periodontal Disease cleaning) or periodontal cleaning (Periodontal Disease maintenance cleaning). Periodontal Disease needs to be managed with more thorough and more frequent cleanings, every 3 months. This is due to the fact that once bacteria has settled under the gums it can recolonize every three months. The proper dental cleaning can reduce the bacteria count, lower ginigival inflammation and minimize gingival risk factors for heart attack and stroke.
KELLY M. DAINIAK, DMD,
GENERAL DENTIST
Dr. Kelly M. Dainiak provides all services mentioned in article. Dr. Dainiak graduated from The University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine in 1995 and went on to finish a Hospital Residency at The University Hospital in Stonybrook, NY in 1996. She has been practicing in Southwest Florida since 2001, having her own solo practice since 2005.
239-992-0325
www.premierdentalstudio.com
20321 Grande Oak Shoppes Blvd.
Suite 316
Estero, FL 33928
