Gum disease is becoming a widespread oral health problem that affects millions of Americans. As based on a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated 50 percent of American adults above 30 years of age, have periodontitis, the more advanced form of periodontal disease.
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an infection of the gums caused by poor brushing and flossing habits in which plaque had built-up and hardened the teeth. Poor oral health due to neglect of its importance, if untreated can lead to serious bodily health problems.
If you’re in need of periodontic treatment in Coral Gables, Doral, Coral Springs, Florida and surrounding areas, call iSmile Doral by Dr. Sonia Olivares at 305-620-8272 or iSmile Coral Gables at 305-396-1026.
Signs and Symptoms of Periodontitis
Gum diseases develop at the onset of tartar and plaque build-up. They release toxins infecting the tissues of the teeth and bone structure which results in chronic inflammation. Signs and symptoms of periodontitis include:
- bad breath
- teeth loss or lose teeth
- when chewing there is pain
- gums that bleed easily
- receding gums
- tender gums
- new spaces developing in-between teeth
- when brushing or flossing your teeth there is blood
Health Risks of Untreated Gum Disease
Gum disease can trigger and may risk other health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, and pneumonia:
Heart Disease
Research shows a link between gum disease and inflammation that can lead to heart attacks, strokes, and other sudden-vascular conditions. According to the American Heart Association, people with poor dental hygiene are thrice at risk of heart diseases.
People with gum disease with high cholesterol levels are more at greater risks. Certain research on patients with atherosclerosis, a disease in which plaque builds up in the arteries, have uncovered oral bacteria in their fatty deposits. If untreated, fatty deposits can close arteries or break loose and clog them, which leads to stroke or heart attack.
Diabetes
Diabetic people are highly susceptible to infections making them at higher risks of having periodontal disease. It is a known fact that periodontal disease is often considered a complication of diabetes.
Several types of research suggested diabetes and periodontal disease goes both ways, in which patients with periodontal disease can make it harder for diabetic people to control their blood sugar levels.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
The bacteria called Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans is the culprit that triggers in both gum disease and rheumatoid arthritis patients. Joint inflammation is the cause of rheumatoid arthritis, wherein the bacteria trigger the inflammatory autoimmune response of our body’s defense system that makes the immune system proteins overactive, and eventually leads to joint inflammation.
Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease is another condition that is linked to gum disease. As evidenced in a study, the presence of bacteria Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) found on patients with gum disease are also found on the brain of an Alzheimer’s patient.
Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative disease that starts with memory loss and complicates over time. To avoid complications of Alzheimer’s disease, prevention is necessary so that bacteria from the gum disease will not spread to other parts of the body.
Pneumonia
Gum disease also affects lung-related conditions such as pneumonia, COPD, and asthma. As based on findings of the American Thoracic Society, gum disease infections affect the immune system and are capable of risking the whole body to inflammation which includes lungs and airways.
Always be mindful at the onset of gum disease and better get an appointment today rather than tomorrow. That is why iSmile by Dr. Sonia Olivares is here to help you with your periodontal condition to ensure that you have the necessary information, treatments, and ongoing dental care.
Dr. Sonia Olivares, a specialist in periodontics in Doral, Florida together with her dedicated pre and post-treatment team, is experienced to help you understand the causes of gum disease and the steps that you can take to help prevent it from recurring.
Periodontics in Coral Gables
Our Periodontics offers a varied range of dental treatments, whether you want to upkeep your dental health or receive immediate, same-day emergency attention, you’ll find it at one of our friendly and convenient dental spa in Coral Gables, Florida. We offer services for everyone, catering to all ages, needs, and smiles.
General Dentistry Services in Doral, Florida
We also offer several dental services which include:
Dental Payment Options in Coral, Gables and Doral, Florida
At iSmile Coral Gables and iSmile Doral, we accept most major insurance plans:
- Convenient monthly payments
- Coupons and monthly specials
- All major credit cards
Dr. Sonia Olivares always welcomes new patients from Coral Gables, St. Doral and Coral Springs, Florida, and surrounding areas. For online consultations, you can check us out at https://www.drsoniaolivares.net/online-consultation/. Call iSmile Doral by Dr. Sonia Olivares at 305-620-8272 or iSmile Coral Gables at 305-396-1026.