The body is an interconnected system that’s remarkably complex. Sometimes pain or a condition in one part of the body can have an affect on another part of the body. For instance, if you grind your teeth at night, you may not just experience tooth pain and jaw pain, but you may also experience ear aches and neck pain because of the strain on various structures of the face and cranium. When you come to our practice for cosmetic dentistry in Houston, we’ll always make sure your dental health is at its best since this will best ensure your overall well being.
What is gum disease?
Gum disease refers to the adverse affects of bacteria on the gums. In its early stages, gum disease takes the form of gingivitis. Left untreated, this can lead to an advanced stage of gum disease known as periodontitis. This can cause severe pain in the mouth and lead to loose teeth, tooth loss, tooth misalignment, and many other serious problems. It’s important that you meet with a cosmetic and restorative dentist in Houston regularly so that gum disease can be caught and addressed.
What are the signs and symptoms of gum disease?
The early signs and symptoms of gum disease include swelling of the gums, discolored gums, bleeding gums, and soreness or sensitivity of the gums. As the condition progresses, gum recession and loose teeth are common, and previous symptoms will worsen. The team at our center for restorative dentistry in Houston will monitor your dental health for these signs.
How can gum disease affect my general health?
In addition to harming the structures of the mouth, some research suggests that the bacteria that cause gum disease can also contribute to respiratory problems. The bacteria within the mouth is inhaled and trapped in the lungs, which can result in major damage and illnesses such pneumonia. There have also been studies that show a link between diabetes and gum disease.
Dental Care Options for Treating Gum Disease
In order to address the damage caused by gum diseases, we can useperiodontal surgery / gum therapy to help rebuild and reform the soft tissues of the mouth. Usually this means tissue transplantation that uses material from the palate to build up more gum tissue. If your teeth have been affected by gum disease, then a complete smile makeover may be in order.
Preventative Care is the Best Kind of Care
This cannot be stressed enough. Rather than undergo dental treatments to fix a problem, your best option is to prevent the problem from happening in the first place. Brush regularly, floss regularly, and visit your dentist twice a year.
Learn More About Gum Disease and Other Important Dental Health Matters
As you can see, the health of your gums means a lot more than aesthetic issues, and it can affect many other parts of your body. It’s for that reason that getting good dental care is key to great overall health. If you would like to learn more about your many options for enhancing your dental health and overall quality of life, be sure to contact our Houston cosmetic and restorative dentistry practice today. The entire team looks forward to meeting you in person.
