Periodontal disease and Your Health Explains Marietta Dentist

Preventing gum (periodontal) disease is an important factor in maintaining healthy hygiene in your mouth.  Knowing the link between gum disease and systemic disease, any person interested in maintaining optimal health should have the best oral hygiene possible.  Brushing twice a day, flossing daily and trips to the dentist for a dental prophylaxis is a must says Marietta dentist.

Unhealthy gums are linked to diseases such as; bacterial pneumonia, respiratory infection, cardiovascular disease, and a compromised immune system.  Many pregnant women with gum disease have a higher incidence of  premature birth and babies with a lower birth weight.  Studies show diabetes and periodontal disease can be closely related.  People with diabetes have a more difficult time controlling blood sugar, and as their periodontal health improves, so does controlling their blood sugar.  Therefore, a relationship between a healthy mouth and healthy body exists.

Lets explore what gum, periodontal disease is...

It's a disease that can destroy not only your gums but also the bone and other tissues that support teeth.  A sticky film of bacteria builds up on teeth called plaque that starts the process of gum disease.  Proper daily routine of brushing and flossing removes the plaque not allowing gum (periodontal) disease to take hold says Marietta, GA dentist.  A good routine keeps your gums from infection from the harmful plaque caused by bacteria. Proper oral hygiene prevents gums from becoming red and swollen, a condition called gingivitis; the early stages of periodontal disease. Eventually the plaque hardens and turns into tartar, a more difficult substance to remove.  If left untreated, it progresses to the next stage called periodontitis.  The gums begin to separate from the teeth and create deep spaces called pockets.  The pockets begin to collect bacteria that produce toxins and destroy the bone anchoring teeth.  If the disease is allowed to progress, teeth will become loose and eventually fall out.  A dentist may remove the teeth that affected. Bacteria present will have access to the bloodstream and begins to travel in the blood causing a harmful inflammation process.

Ideally, brushing twice a day using an ADA (American Dental Association) approved toothpaste with fluoride, and flossing helps maintain healthy gums.  Flossing removes bacteria and plaque that form in between teeth that a toothbrush can not remove.  It is important to  get on a schedule of regular professional dental cleanings to ensure that you are taking proper care of your teeth.  Professional cleanings are the only way to remove tartar that traps bacteria along the gum line.

Your dentist can also suggest ideas and answer any questions you may have about your oral hygiene.  Make sure you let your dentist know about your overall health, especially if you have had any chronic conditions or recent illnesses.  Let him know any medication you are on, or if your health has changed since you saw them last.  Your dentist needs to have a good idea of what is going on with your health so they can provide you with the best care possible.

Good oral hygiene is a very important step to ensure the best health and life possible says cosmetic dentist in Marietta GA.