It’s easy to think of your oral health as an isolated concern. After all, you receive treatment for your teeth and gums from a
doctor specially trained in the care of your mouth. In reality, your dental health is related to every other structure in your body. Your heart, lungs, and veins are all connected to your teeth, even though they may seem independent from one another.
If the inner workings of your body are all connected, that means infection and disease can easily spread from one area to another. Your teeth are no exception with periodontitis being one of the most harmful conditions to impact your oral and general health.
When Periodontitis Spreads Beyond Your Mouth
Periodontitis is an infection that affects the underlying structure of your teeth and gums. Early warning signs include tender or bleeding gums whenever you brush or floss your teeth. This infection is caused by bacteria, which slowly eat away at the gums and spread down to the roots of your teeth. Eventually, bacteria enter the bloodstream and are carried to other areas of the body.
Although
periodontal disease is a serious medical condition, it can be preventable with proper oral hygiene. Flossing your teeth twice a day and regularly visiting your dentist will keep infection at bay. However, if you allow periodontal disease to progress, it can spread throughout the rest of your body over time, leading to health conditions that affect the heart, lungs and even your expected children.
Your Lifestyle Affects Oral Health
Not only are good oral hygiene practices necessary, but also a healthy lifestyle is essential for the longevity of your teeth and gums. Bad habits like smoking, consuming too much sugar or drinking excessively can create excessive amounts of decay that deteriorate your tooth enamel. It’s important to keep toxins out of the body in order to keep periodontal disease and other conditions at bay.
Addressing Periodontal Disease at Home
The first step to treating or preventing periodontal disease is changing your oral hygiene practices at home. If you don’t brush and floss effectively, you leave room for infection to occur. If you have already received a periodontitis diagnosis, brushing your teeth after every meal benefits your oral health. Flossing every day will keep plaque from building up between your teeth. On top of your routine at home, it’s essential that you visit your dentist twice a year (or sooner depending on the severity of your condition) to assess the health of your teeth.
Along with a routine cleaning and examination, those with periodontitis may undergo a deeper cleaning through laser dentistry or a technique known as scaling and root planing. During a consultation with your dentist, you can learn about the extent of periodontitis and develop a treatment plan that addresses your needs individually.
Get the Treatment You Need By Calling Today!
For more information about periodontal disease,
contact Distinctive Smiles of Baton Rouge at 225-906-0718 and
schedule an appointment today