Gum Disease And Your Health
Oral Health Affects Your Entire Body
Did you know your oral health is linked to medical conditions, disease and your ability to fight infections? If you develop gum disease, you are also at risk for health problems as serious as heart disease or cancer. Dr. Nicholas Rallis and Dr. Chris Chondrogiannis, our periodontist, work hard to educate patients about the effects of gum disease and monitor gums carefully to detect any signs of an infection. We also perform several targeted periodontal disease treatments to get the infection under control sooner.
Systemic Effects of Untreated Gum Disease
One of the biggest dangers of untreated gum disease is its effect on your overall health. What starts out as a minor problem, such as puffy gums or tooth sensitivity, can lead to the destruction of gum tissue and bone loss. Some studies suggest a link between gum disease and inflammatory conditions such as heart disease.
Treating gum disease may help patients with diabetes, heart disease, respiratory disease, certain types of cancer and osteoporosis better manage their condition. Read our patient reviews to see how we have helped many patients get gum disease under control.
What Most People Don’t Know About Gum Disease
- 1 in 2 adults over the age of 30 have gum disease, according to the CDC
- Gum disease is a progressive disease
- Bleeding gums are one of the first warning signs of an infection
- Gum disease can be hereditary
- Neglecting to brush and floss can set you up for gum disease
- You can lose your teeth if gum disease is left untreated
- Stress, smoking and pregnancy can contribute to gum disease
Symptoms of Gum Disease
It can be easy to ignore the symptoms of gum disease if you tend to neglect your oral health or have an existing health condition that causes inflammation in the body. Common symptoms to watch out for include:
- Swollen, tender or red gums
- Gum recession
- Noticeable separation of the teeth
- Pus developing between the gums and teeth
- Chronic bad breath
- Bite changes
- Loose or shifting teeth
If you are concerned about gum disease or have questions about gum health, schedule your consultation with Dr. Chondrogiannis today!
