Dentist in Syracuse Explains Why Healthy Gums Are Essential to Optimum Oral Health

Just as houses rely on their foundations for support, your gums provide stability for your teeth. If your gums are not well, your teeth are at risk. The health of your teeth and gums also affects other aspects of your well-being. Your dentist in Syracuse reveals why periodontal (gum) health is essential for your overall health.

What Is Gum Disease?

Gum disease is primarily an infection of the support system for your teeth, which are your gums and jawbone. Eventually, if gum disease is left untreated, it will destroy your soft tissues and bone and ultimately result in tooth loss.

The first stage of gum disease is called gingivitis. It occurs when bacteria gets below the gum line because excess plaque buildup separates the gums from the teeth. Gingivitis can be challenging to detect in the beginning because there are not a lot of symptoms or pain, and this is why consistent visits to your dentist every six months are so important. Preventive care appointments allow your dentist screen for gum disease during every examination so they can detect it as early as possible.

Some signs of gingivitis you can look for are:

• Bleeding gums when you brush or floss
• Chronic bad breath
• Gums that are irritated, red, and swollen

Periodontitis is the advanced stage of gum disease. During this stage, the damage starts to occur, and you may notice that your teeth begin to feel mobile or your gums are receding. Treating periodontitis requires a deeper cleaning called scaling and root planing to reach below the gum line and remove plaque and tartar buildup. Antibiotic therapy may also be recommended to manage periodontitis, and sometimes surgery is required for severe cases.

The Oral Systemic Link

The bacteria that causes gum disease has been found to be closely related to other health concerns in the body such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, complications with pregnancy and vice versa. We know that the same bacteria that cause gum disease can enter the bloodstream and also contribute to these other health concerns.

Because it also relates to your overall health and well-being, taking great care of your oral health has never been more critical.

Your Best Defense Against Gum Disease

Prevention is one of the reasons your six-month dental visits are so important.

When your family dentist in Syracuse can detect gum disease early on, you can often reverse gingivitis with a thorough cleaning and updates to your home care routine.

If you’ve noticed any of the symptoms of gingivitis, or if it’s time to schedule your next appointment with your dentist, we encourage you to call today!

About the Author

Would you like to work with a team who provides concierge-style dentistry? Are you interested in a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs? If so, then look no further than Creative Dental Concepts, where you will enjoy the expertise of two highly skilled dentists.

Dr. Gregory Craybas and Dr. Donald Crumb have been caring for generations of patients in Syracuse, NY, and they would be happy to welcome your family to our practice.

To contact our team, you can call us at 315-475-6641 or reach us online.