It is hard to overstate the importance of maintaining habits that help you stay healthy. Smart diet choices, exercise, and proper rest all help you maintain a fit, healthy body. You may not realize it, but the effort you put into cleaning your smile can also be important to your overall well-being. As research has explored the oral-systemic link, or the link between a person’s oral and general health, the importance of fighting gum disease is becoming more apparent. If you allow periodontal problems to go unchecked, it may put you at risk for serious health concerns, including troubles with your heart. It can also become harder for you to take care of yourself if you have existing health problems like diabetes. Our Ankeny, IA dentist’s office encourages patients to make choices that help them sustain healthy teeth and gums at home in addition to providing support through preventive dental care.
The Link Between Your Periodontal Health And Your Well-Being
When you clean your smile, you clear away oral bacteria that can put your well-being at risk. When problems like tooth decay and gum disease form, they make it necessary for you to go out and seek treatment from your dentist. When these issues are not managed in time, they can cause complications that further affect you.
Problems with gum disease can be overlooked, as you may not feel discomfort from the issue. Patients with diabetes and other health concerns can have a more difficult time managing their health if they have it. It is also possible for periodontal bacteria to leave and travel to new areas. If bacteria access your heart, you can develop a potentially serious condition known as endocarditis!
How Can I Tell If Something Is Wrong With My Gums?
While gingivitis may not cause you pain, it can grab your attention thanks to other symptoms that you can recognize. You may notice that your gums often bleed whenever you brush and floss. You might have also spotted some signs of discoloration or swelling of your gum tissues. If you are seeing these signs, make sure you are doing a thorough job cleaning at your gum line when you brush and floss. You can also receive help to address gum disease during a routine dental exam, as a targeted cleaning can be performed to take on the condition.
How Your Periodontal Health Fits Into Your Overall Oral Hygiene Efforts
Brushing and flossing help you protect your teeth AND your gums from oral bacteria. With that said, you need to maintain good habits in order to fully support your smile. Take time to brush at least two times a day, and floss at least one time a day. When you do, make sure you reach every area of your smile. Doing so can lower your risk for problems that might require a periodontal cleaning, a dental filling, or a dental crown.
Your Ankeny, IA Dentist Offers Support For Periodontal Problems
If they are not managed in time, periodontal problems can become a serious concern for you. Dental Impressions in Ankeny, IA is proud to provide important support against this and other issues. Our Ankeny, IA dental practice can be reached at (515) 965-0230.
