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How Periodontal Disease Affects Your Overall Health

periodontal disease symptoms

09 June 2025

When it comes to oral health, the initial things that come to mind for most of us are good cavities, flossing, and brushing. Your gums also need some care. They are the basis of your smile and a vital part of your overall body health. Periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease, is more than a dental issue. With advanced treatments available through periodontics in Carrollwood, you can protect both your oral and systemic health.

What Is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease starts when plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, builds up along the gumline. If not treated, this can result in gingivitis, beneath-average gum illness with swollen or bleeding gums. The illness can develop further into periodontitis, which destroys the gums, connective tissues, and bone that support the teeth.

Look for periodontal disease symptoms:

  • Red, sore, or painful gums
  • Bleeding when brushing or flossing
  • Long-standing bad breath
  • Receding gums or the appearance of longer teeth
  • Wiggly teeth or a shift in how your teeth come together when you bite

These symptoms may appear to be insignificant at first, but they may be signs of more serious health issues if left untreated.

Gum Health And Your Body: The Connection

Your gums are not separated from the rest of your body. They are a portal to your bloodstream, and plaque bacteria from infected gums that cause disease can pass into your system. Learning about gum disease and how gum disease affects your health:

  • Cardiovascular Disease: Ongoing gum infection has been associated with enhanced risk for heart attack, stroke, and constricted arteries.
  • Diabetes Management: Gum disease can increase blood glucose levels and make diabetes more difficult to manage for people with diabetes.
  • Pregnancy Complications: Preterm delivery and low birth weights can occur if there is untreated gum disease during pregnancy.
  • Respiratory Infections: Bacteria from the mouth can reach the lungs, potentially causing pneumonia or other respiratory illnesses.
  • Brain Health: Emerging research suggests a link between advanced gum disease and cognitive decline, including conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease.

When to Visit A Dentist?

Gum symptoms are too commonly ignored or go undetected until pain or tooth loss occur. Be aware of the early warning signs and see a dental professional before the disease advances. Your own dentist near you will examine you fully, look at your gum condition, and give you proper treatment.

Why Early Action Matters?

Regular dental visits allow early detection of gum issues that may otherwise go unnoticed. Timely intervention helps prevent long-term health problems and preserves the integrity of your teeth and gums.

Effective Gum Disease Treatment Options

If you are near the area, and going to a dentist near Lake Magdalene gives you customized treatment options that include:

  • Deep Cleaning: Scaled and root planing is another term for it. The procedure removes tartar and plaque from beneath the gumline.
  • Antibiotic Therapy: Oral or topical antibiotics are given to treat infections caused by bacteria.
  • Laser Treatment: Minimally invasive laser therapy can target and remove diseased tissue with greater precision.
  • Surgical Options: In advanced cases, surgical procedures may be necessary to restore gum and bone health.

Tips for Healthy Gums Every Day

Preventing gum disease begins in the comfort of your own home. Continue these habits of flossing and daily oral hygiene routines prescribed by your dentist:

  • Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and in a circular motion
  • Taking a daily flossing, under the gumline between teeth
  • Using an antimicrobial mouthwash if prescribed by your dentist
  • Not smoking, which is a risk for gum disease
  • Routine dental visits and thorough cleanings by your dentist

Stay Alert to Gum Disease Warning Signs

Being proactive about your gum health can significantly reduce the risk of systemic health issues. If you experience bleeding gums, gum recession signs, or inflamed gum symptoms, don’t delay seeking care.

Don’t Wait – Protect Your Smile and Your Health Today!

Forget about gum disease letting your teeth down, it can damage your heart, lungs, and beyond. Invest in healthy gums with superior care that benefits your entire body. Call today to make an appointment with the caring Smile Venue Dental team. We’re dedicated to finding you a healthy smile that enhances your overall health.