It’s often said that an ounce of prevention is equal to a pound of cure. In the realm of gum disease, however, it might amount to even more. It’s one of the most damaging oral health conditions that can take a toll on every part of your oral health.
To learn more about this disease and why you should do all you can to prevent it, continue reading.
1. It Causes Tooth Loss
Gum disease is most often associated with red, irritated gums and bad breath, but it can have far more dire consequences. As the disease spreads into your gums and down into the jawbone, it can actually begin to erode the structures that keep your teeth in place.
This eventually causes tooth loss as your jawbone and gums can no longer hold on to the tooth properly.
2. It Can Be Spread to Others
While rare, gum disease can be spread to others via mouth contact or indirect contact with saliva. If you’re at a party and want to sample some queso, don’t double dip!
If you or your significant other have the disease, be vigilant for symptoms such as a red line along your gumline or bleeding gums when you brush.
3. It can go Undetected in Early Stages
There are definitive signs that you have gum disease, but during the early stages, there could be a lack of them. This is one of the many reasons why visiting your dentist often is good for prevention.
4. It Has Been Linked to Heart Disease
Research from multiple sources around the world has concluded a definitive correlation between gum disease and other more serious conditions such as heart disease.
According to the Harvard School of Medicine, people with gum disease are twice as likely to suffer a heart attack or stroke.
Though many of the exact biological indicators that trigger these reactions are unknown, the prevailing science says that the inflammation of the gums causes tiny blood clots that eventually make their way into the heart.
5. It Is Preventable
Possibly the most surprising aspect of gum disease is how preventable it is. While it affects over half of the world’s population in some form—it could be eradicated if people took the steps to do so.
A thorough and complete oral health routine of brushing and flossing twice per day and using a natural mouth rinse or warm water can often prevent gum disease from rearing its ugly head.
While this is not a guarantee as even healthy mouths can develop gum disease in rare instances, it has an incredibly significant impact on your chances.
If you want to be doubly sure that you don’t develop gum disease, visit your dentist often. This is especially true if you’re immunocompromised or if you start to show symptoms. Treatment is easier the earlier you detect and act upon it.
About the Author
At Artistry Smile Center, their mission is to be completely committed to patient care and wellness. Their team of professionals cater to your unique dental needs with the latest dental technology and advanced techniques. To schedule a dental screening appointment, call (614) 451-7393 or visit the website to explore other services.