How serious is gum disease, and why should you take steps to prevent it? How can the best dentist in Stockton, CA, help those with gum disease? Find out here.
Did you know that after the age of 30,
at least 46% of adults start showing signs of gum disease? The disease is very common and it doesn't just affect your oral health. The bacteria that develops as a cause of this condition can get into your bloodstream and when this happens, it acts as a domino effect causing other health issues - and a dentist in Stockton CA can help with this.
From coronary artery disease and even
respiratory disease, your gum health isn't anything to take lightly. Gum disease is treatable but there is a certain point where damage can become irreversible. The trick is to know the signs of gum disease, how to prevent gum disease in the first place, and who to see if you have serious concerns about your oral health.
What Is Gum Disease and How Does It Occur?
Gum disease is a serious and common oral health condition. This type of infection damages the gums and will often present with your gums being swollen or tender. They may also appear red and you may even lose one or some of your teeth.
This infection is also capable of completely destroying your jawbone. A buildup of plaque is usually the common influencer of gum disease which is preventable by brushing your teeth regularly and practicing proper flossing techniques, rinsing daily, and quitting smoking if you do smoke. Bacteria that start to form in the mouth can lead to inflammation and if left untreated, periodontal disease will likely be the diagnosis.
Keep in mind that plaque can harden over time and this can become tarter. Tarter buildup happens when plaque isn't brushed away. This means that handling the plaque in its soft form before it hardens will help with preventing gum disease altogether although other conditions can cause it such as diabetes, immunodeficiencies, and even heredity. You have to also keep your stress levels in mind and if you have fillings, ensure that a dentist in Stockton is evaluating them during your cleanings.
Who Is the Most Susceptible to Gum Disease?
Older adults are usually the most susceptible to gum disease.
70.1% of those over the age of 65 suffer from periodontal disease. While the senior population is indeed more prone to oral health issues, anyone with poor oral hygiene could be at risk of this problem. A Stockton CA dentist can help with preventing this from happening in any age group but it's up to the patient to know when to ask for help and to have their dental cleanings on time.
Health Effects to Expect
The unfortunate fact is that
20% to 30% of adults have a severe enough diagnosis of gum disease that would cause them to lose their teeth. At this point, many people are also going to be more susceptible to additional health problems in extension to their gum disease diagnosis.
Periodontal disease alone accounts for over one billion severe cases. This accounts for
at least 19% of the population worldwide. A few conditions that untreated gum disease can cause;
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Diabetes
- Asthma
- Kidney Disease
These health conditions are only the start of the list and are reasons to have potential gum infections checked and treated as soon as possible. Did you know that gum disease has actually been linked to other conditions
such as cancer and Alzheimer's?
Milder forms of gum disease can easily be controlled with simple fixes in your routine such as compliance with your dental checkups and better oral hygiene. More severe cases may require more attention and more complex solutions. For example, if left untreated, you may need bone grafting or grafting of the soft tissues.
Flap surgery which is also called pocket reduction surgery may also be required. This form of treatment requires small incisions to be made in your gums to expose the roots of your teeth to get to the problem and fix it. A professional periodontist can perform this safely and give you tips to better prevent bad oral health.
Knowing Methods of Prevention
If you want to prevent gum disease, the best thing you can do is to stay on top of your oral health. This means that you need to do a bit more than just brushing your teeth. It can be easy to fall out of good oral hygiene practices so you should start by searching "dental office near me."
This will ensure you have a
dentist in Stockton CA when you need them especially if you are seeing signs of deteriorating gum health. After making sure you have a reliable dentist, evaluate your oral healthcare. This means making sure you're brushing your teeth at least twice a day and this doesn't include brushing as needed after meals.
Speaking of eating, you should also make sure you have a healthy diet and that you are maintaining it. If you aren't getting enough nutrients in your daily diet, you are reducing your body's ability to fight off infections.
This does account for general physical health but the tissue found in your mouth won't have enough resistance to prevent infection. Also, while you are brushing twice a day, this should include rinsing twice a day and also flossing as needed throughout the day.
Using a Dentist in Stockton CA to Prevent Gum Disease
A dentist in Stockton CA will help you to develop and maintain regular oral health habits to help prevent gum disease. If you suspect that you have this condition or think that you are susceptible to this issue, a dentist is your best option for reversing this. Poor oral health can significantly affect your quality of life.
Instead of putting your comfort at risk and general health at risk, work with a qualified dentist. New patients are welcome so,
contact us today for an appointment.
