National Health Education Week: 5 Surprising Facts about Gum Disease
Did you know that having gum disease can raise your likelihood of heart disease? Or that it is completely preventable? If you are like most people, you see the term gum disease everywhere, but may not know very much about it. It begins when the bacteria in your mouth infect the gum tissue and it can progress indefinitely, causing numerous problems with both oral health and overall health. National Health Education Week provides an excellent opportunity to uncover a few facts about gum disease in Houston, TX.
How Much Do You Know About Gum Disease?
Gum disease is, unfortunately, a common condition. Almost half of all adults in the U.S. have some stage of gum disease.
Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss. Out of the many factors that you might consider, such as injury, decay, or poor nutrition, they do not compare to the damage gum disease can cause. The bacteria attack the gums, connective tissue, and bone that support your teeth, causing them to become loose.
The first symptoms of gum disease are bleeding gums and inflammation. If you see blood when you brush or floss, you may have gingivitis and should visit your periodontist as soon as possible.
Treatments for gum disease in Houston, TX, can be convenient and comfortable. Dr. J. Robert Friedberg offers advanced methods, including antibiotics, deep cleanings, and laser treatments that are performed without scalpels or sutures.
Periodontal disease is linked to many systemic illnesses, like heart disease, stroke, dementia, respiratory illness, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. The bacteria can be breathed into the lungs, circulate throughout the body via the bloodstream, and depress your immune system due to the chronic oral infection and inflammation.
Prevention is easier than you might think. Proper oral care, which includes daily brushing and flossing coupled with regular dental cleanings, may be all it takes to keep your smile healthy. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Friedberg to learn more about proper oral care and how you can protect your smile from the devastating effects of gum disease.
