Dental CareHealth

Understanding the Dangers of Gum Disease in Indianapolis, Indiana

Gum disease is associated with cardiovascular disease, such as coronary artery disease. This is the reason your dentist in Indianapolis, Indiana, will recommend maintaining good oral hygiene to maintain and improve dental health. You can do this by taking good care of your gum tissue and teeth. 

Gum disease is a severe issue that can result in adverse health problems and complicated dental surgeries when left untreated. Your mouth is associated with other body parts. Thus, you must maintain your oral cavity’s health. Apart from daily oral hygiene, you should also take dentist visits seriously. When you visit your dentist, any issues can be detected early before they cause complications. 

Gum Disease Must be Treated Right Away

Professional dental cleanings are important to keep your teeth healthy.  They can fight against gum disease as well. Indeed, gum disease is a common cause of tooth loss in adults. 

Usually, gum disease begins with minor symptoms you may just ignore. Although gingivitis starts with the gums, it can result in periodontal disease when not treated, causing harm to the jawbone and the underlying support tissue. Eventually, this will loosen the tooth and cause it to fall out. Sometimes, it makes tooth extraction necessary.

But this is only the initial damage gum disease may bring. When gingivitis spreads and you develop chronic periodontitis, the infection can spread beyond your teeth, jawbone, and gums. Infection results in inflammation, which can lead to worsening health problems when not addressed promptly. Cardiovascular disease, rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, and diabetes may result from this inflammation. 

Gum Disease and Mortality Risks

Gum disease is a risk factor for severe complications in people who have diabetes. However, because of the nature of these diseases, it usually becomes nearly impossible to manage each of them when gum disease has set in. You should rely on your dentist for the best treatment. Sometimes, diabetic patients may need to undergo oral surgery. 

How to Prevent Periodontal Infection

Although poor oral hygiene can result in gum disease, maintaining your oral health is not hard. This can prevent gingivitis and periodontal infection. Managing your oral health usually starts with small, manageable steps. To avoid gum disease and all inflammatory conditions it may cause, it is important to brush your teeth twice every day and floss it once to get rid of bacterial plaques and tartar. Also, you must visit your dentist regularly for in-office dental cleaning and checkups. If you are a smoker, it’s time to quit to prevent gum disease and tooth decay.