Your Family Dentist Can Treat Gum Disease and Prevent Further Health Issues

Family Dentist
As a family dentist office, Bay Dental Associates provides ongoing oral health care to families throughout the area.  Preventative dental care is extremely important for both the health of your mouth and the health of your body overall.

Many people are unaware that infected teeth and gums can have a negative impact on the rest of their health, but studies have shown that gum disease can make pregnant women go into labor early and have low birth weight babies.  This is a serious ramification that should be prevented whenever possible.  During pregnancy it is important to have teeth cleaned at least twice in order to prevent and treat the symptoms of gum disease.

Additional studies have linked gum disease to heart disease. Millions of Americans suffer from some form of heart disease, and it is the number one killer of both men and women.  This is a staggering statistic.  What most people don’t know is that 91 percent of people with heart disease also have gum disease.  Scientists believe this is due to the inflammation of the gums, but ongoing research is being conducted to study fully how they are linked.  What is clear though is that healthy gums are important for a healthy heart and regular trips to your family dentist can help.

When you schedule an appointment with Bay Dental Associates, our dental hygienist will clean your teeth and remove bacteria and plaque from on your teeth and gums.  This prevents cavities and gum disease.  Our family dentist will then examine your mouth to determine if there are any signs of infection.  If there are, treatment recommendations will be made.  This may include treating a cavity, performing a root canal, or deep cleaning the gums.  By identifying infection early, your treatments will be faster and more comfortable than if you allow infection to spread and impact other areas of the mouth.

Gum disease is a perfect example of why early detection and treatment is so important.  The early stage of gum disease is called gingivitis.  It can make gums swell, turn red, and bleed slightly.  It is uncomfortable but not particularly painful.  When found during a routine dental exam treatment can be performed by conducting a deep cleaning.  Bacteria are removed from on and underneath the gums which gives them the ability to heal.  Typically this will solve the problem and all signs of gum disease will go away.  However, if it is left untreated the disease can spread and create major health problems.  Severe gum disease will create pockets in the gum tissue and expose the tooth structure and root system while creating a place for bacteria to gather.  Oral surgery and gum grafts are often necessary to correct the problem.  In the meantime, gum disease will be negatively impacting your overall health including the health of your heart.  This can be avoided by simply visiting the dentist twice a year.  Schedule an appointment to have your teeth cleaned and examined so that you can stay in good health overall.

Recent Posts

How A Family Dentist Restores Damaged Or Missing Teeth

A family dentist can rebuild your smile. Dental damage and tooth loss can result from severe decay or trauma. Restoring the affected tooth is important for one’s dental and general health. Here are the details on how a family dentist can bring back your damaged or missing teeth.This field of dentistry concentrates on replacing or…

Cavity Fighting Oral Health Tips From A Kids Dentist

In our kids dentist office, we see a lot of cavities.  This goes with the territory as children are more susceptible to tooth decay in the first place. This can be due to a variety of reasons and in our office, we often give parents some suggestions and tips for things that they can do…

Ask An Emergency Dentist: What Should I Do If I Lose A Filling?

Asking an emergency dentist for their advice whenever a dental emergency is experienced is something everyone should do. A dentist who offers emergency dental service is someone who knows the essential steps to take for any type of dental emergency. These first steps are a crucial part of ensuring successful treatment of the emergency situation.…

Beginners Guide To Preventive Dentistry

Preventive dentistry is a branch of dentistry that focuses on keeping your mouth healthy in order to save you money. It starts with you taking good care of your mouth at home by brushing at least two times per day, flossing daily, and avoiding things that can damage teeth. Preventive dentistry also includes procedures performed…

Recent Posts

See A Laser Dentist For A Painless Treatment

See A Laser Dentist For A Painless Treatment

A laser dentist can perform dental procedures with better accuracy and effectiveness. Read on to learn about laser dentistry and how it can help make some treatments more comfortable. The field of dentistry has witnessed significant advancements in the last few years. New technologies are transforming what dentists are able to offer their patients, from…

Common Signs You Need A Root Canal

Common Signs You Need A Root Canal

A root canal is a treatment that can keep your tooth intact. The dentist will assess your tooth and ask you about your symptoms. But knowing if you need this treatment can tell you if you need to see your dentist for this procedure soon. Here are the common signs you need a root canal…