What Is the Link Between Your Gum Health and Your Overall Health?

Periodontal (gum) disease is a progressive condition that can cause serious oral health complications and is a leading cause of tooth loss in adults. But did you know that studies show a close connection between your gum health and your overall health? At North Trinity Dental, we offer periodontal treatment and care to support your gum health and overall well-being. We strive to provide you with exceptional care and the best possible patient experience. We invite you to visit our practice in Fort Worth to experience the difference.

What Are the Warning Signs of Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease is a chronic, progressive condition that affects the gum, bone, and tissue that support your teeth. Warning signs of early periodontal disease (gingivitis) include red, swollen, and inflamed gums that bleed when you brush or floss.

As the condition progresses, complications include pain when chewing, gum recession, tooth sensitivity, and bad breath. It can also damage the structures supporting the teeth, resulting in bone loss, loose teeth, and even tooth loss. The sooner you seek care, the better the outcomes, which is why we emphasize the importance of regular preventive dental care, including routine dental exams and cleanings.

How Can Your Gum Health Impact Your Overall Health?

Research has found associations between periodontal disease and several systemic health conditions, including the following:

• Diabetes: Diabetes and gum disease can affect one another. Uncontrolled diabetes increases your risk of periodontal disease, while active gum disease can also make blood sugar harder to manage.
• Cardiovascular Disease: Ongoing inflammation from periodontal disease has been associated with cardiovascular conditions, including heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke.
• Inflammatory Conditions: Chronic gum inflammation can place stress on the immune system, making it more difficult to ward off infections and contributing to inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis.
• Respiratory Conditions: Bacteria from an infected mouth can be inhaled into the lungs, increasing your risk of respiratory infections such as pneumonia and making existing lung conditions like COPD harder to manage.
• Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes: Hormonal changes that occur with pregnancy have been shown to increase the risk of gum disease, which in turn has been linked to complications, such as preterm births and low birth weights.

How Is Periodontal Disease Treated?

The first-line treatment for periodontal disease is scaling and root planing (SRP). This deep cleaning involves gently removing plaque and tartar from between your teeth and along and under your gumline, followed by cleaning and smoothing your tooth root surfaces. SRP removes bacterial deposits from above and below the gumline, helping reduce inflammation and create healthier conditions for the gum tissues to heal.

After treatment, we recommend a soft tissue management plan to keep your gums as healthy as possible. We typically recommend periodic visits, during which we examine your gums, measure your periodontal pockets, and clean along and under your gum line to remove any new plaque or tartar buildup. We may recommend additional treatment, if needed, to address any new concerns. We will also recommend a personalized home oral hygiene routine to keep your gums healthy between visits.

If you have any questions or concerns between visits, don’t wait. Contact us for a prompt evaluation.

Periodontal Care Near Me in Fort Worth, TX

If you have signs of gum disease, contact North Trinity Dental to schedule a consultation. Our patient-centered team offers personalized periodontal care, always recommending the most conservative solutions to maintain your gum health. We strive to safeguard your smile and your overall health. We invite you to call us at 817-625-0341 to schedule your appointment or request one online today!