They say the eyes are the window to your soul. If that’s the case, then your mouth is the window to your physical health. That’s because the state of your oral health impacts the rest of your body, especially if you have periodontal disease.
Caesar Sweidan, DDS, and our team at Gulf Coast Periodontics & Implants help prevent, diagnose, and treat periodontal disease. This serious oral condition can put your mouth and health at risk.
Here’s why it’s crucial to take good care of your teeth and gums if you want to preserve your physical health.
We often think of our mouths as a separate part of our body, but they’re intricately linked. After all, your mouth is your body’s entry point for two major functions: digestion and respiration.
The trouble starts if you don’t take care of your mouth properly. Without proper oral hygiene, the levels of bacteria in your mouth can surge out of control, leading to a condition known as gum disease, or periodontal disease.
Gum disease occurs when plaque, a sticky coating made up of bacteria, builds up on your teeth and under your gum line. When the substance hardens, it turns into tartar, which is also teeming with bacteria. Tartar is also far harder to remove from your teeth than plaque.
As plaque and tartar build up, they irritate the gum tissue, leading to irritation and inflammation. Over time, this can cause your gums to pull away from your teeth and increase your risk for bone, tissue, and tooth loss. But it doesn’t stop there.
As we mentioned above, your body needs your mouth to eat and breathe. That also means that if you have high levels of bacteria in your mouth, it doesn’t stay there. Instead, it enters your bloodstream through your gum tissue, digestive tract, and respiratory system.
To date, experts have linked more than 120 health conditions to dental problems, such as:
These connections are likely due to chronic inflammation in the body as your immune system tries to fight the bacteria in your blood.
Fortunately, it’s easy to avoid the health risks associated with gum disease. Our team can help treat periodontal disease in all of its stages, and we can prevent it from developing in the first place.
First and foremost, make practicing good oral hygiene a priority. That involves brushing twice each day and flossing, eating a healthy diet low in sugar, and not using tobacco products. And remember to schedule regular dental checkups and cleanings to remove tartar and plaque buildup.
You should also learn to recognize the signs of periodontal disease and get to the dentist as soon as you spot a problem. Signs of gum disease include:
If you have periodontal disease, we can put together an effective treatment strategy based on the severity of your condition. In mild cases, this often includes a thorough teeth cleaning and improving your oral hygiene habits. However, as gum disease progresses, treatment becomes more involved.
Don’t let periodontal disease impact your health. To get the care you need, call us at 228-868-9615.
