How Gum Disease Affects Your Overall Health
Gum disease is not only bad for your teeth, it can affect your overall health. This is because the plaque that builds up in your mouth produces toxins that irritate your gums and bones. It also causes inflammation and bleeding. The resulting infection can lead to loss of teeth and bone. A combination of dental cleaning and daily brushing can help to prevent and treat gum disease.
Some of the most common signs of gum disease include red and swollen gums, gum tenderness, and bleeding. Victorville Dentist Your dentist may recommend a more thorough examination to determine the cause. X-rays can be a helpful tool for diagnosing gum disease. The X-ray will show if you have a pocket in between your teeth and gums. These pockets can be filled with bacteria, which can swell and infect your teeth and gums. It is important to get this treated as soon as possible.
The most important thing you can do is prevent the build-up of plaque on your teeth. The bacteria in plaque produce toxins that irritate your gums. This is why you should floss and brush your teeth twice a day. It is also a good idea to take a balanced diet, including plenty of fruits and vegetables. This can help prevent periodontitis and other related conditions.
Another way to avoid gingivitis is to change your oral care routine at home. You should brush your teeth at least twice a day for three minutes and floss regularly. You should also try to eliminate bad habits like smoking. These make it harder for your gums to repair themselves.
Your dentist may be able to remove plaque from your teeth and show you how to clean your teeth properly. They may even suggest that you floss more frequently. Some people are at higher risk for developing gum disease, such as diabetics, smokers, and patients of drugs, such as chemotherapy.
During a checkup, your dentist may recommend you see a dental hygienist or periodontist. The dentist or hygienist will examine your teeth for any signs of periodontitis, and they can recommend a proper treatment plan. They can also remove hardened plaque. The plaque that isn’t removed may turn into tartar, which is also a problem. Having your teeth cleaned professionally will help prevent the development of tartar.
A dental exam can be the best way to spot signs of gum disease, but it won’t do you any good if you don’t visit your dentist regularly. If you don’t go to your dental check-ups, you could have cavities or other problems that may not be noticed. Your dentist can also detect early signs of gingivitis.
The best time to have a checkup is during your annual physical. If you have any of the above symptoms, you should make an appointment with your dentist right away. They can perform a simple test that will indicate whether or not you have gingivitis.
During the examination, the dentist or hygienist will measure the amount of bacteria in your mouth. The dentist may use a thin metal stick with a bend to detect the presence of the bacteria. The dentist will ask you to provide a medical history. In addition, you may be asked to perform a finger prick test. This will allow them to test the area around your mouth for any other potentially contributing causes of gum disease.