How much do you know about the connection between oral and overall health? Most patients don’t even know a connection exists, but it does. Recent data suggests the specific link is gum disease, a common oral health problem affecting a majority of U.S. adults in one form or another.
What causes gum disease is the accumulation of bacteria and plaque around the gum line. As both of these build up, they can cause symptoms like bleeding, tissue loss, and even bad breath. Over time, if enough tissue is lost, pockets will start forming between the teeth and gums. These pockets give the bacteria and plaque of gum disease a way into the body’s bloodstream, and from there to other parts of the body.
The health problems exacerbated by gum disease are wide-ranging. They include:
- Heart disease
- Hypertension
- Stroke
- Alzheimer’s
- Diabetes
- Pre-term birth
So how can you protect your smile and your overall health? Dr. Friedman has two suggestions.
First, stick to a good oral health routine. We recommend brushing at least twice a day (or after every meal, if you can), flossing at least once, and gargling with an antibacterial mouthwash. All three of these steps combined will help you control the amount of bacteria in your mouth.
You’ll still need professional help from time to time, though. For our second suggestion, we recommend that patients from the Scripps Ranch area see Dr. Friedman twice a year for checkups and cleanings. During these appointments we can watch for signs of gum disease and help you get rid of bacteria and plaque you might’ve missed at home. We can also put together a personalized treatment plan if we find any signs of gum disease.
Are you struggling with gum disease? Do you need to schedule your next appointment with Dr. Friedman? Call Mod Squad Dental today. We serve patients from all around the Scripps Ranch area, including Poway and Rancho Penasquitas.
