Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is a serious risk for both your dental health and overall health. Gum disease can lead to pain, tooth loss, bone loss, and even heart disease. Although restorative dentistry treatments can be used to correct some of the side effects associated with periodontal disease, not all damage is reversible, so prevention is even better. Here are some things you can do to control your risk of developing periodontal disease:
Control Diabetes
Diabetes and periodontal disease are two sides of a vicious cycle. Diabetes increases the risk of periodontal disease, while the inflammation associated with periodontal disease makes diabetes more difficult to control. If you have diabetes, reduce your risk of periodontal disease by working with your endocrinologist to get your blood sugar in check. You should also discuss your diabetes with your dentist so that he or she knows that you have an increased risk of periodontal disease.
Stop Smoking
Smoking is devastating for your dental health. In fact, it is one of the biggest risk factors associated with gum disease. Cigarettes trigger gum inflammation and poor oral health, which lead to periodontal issues. If you develop periodontal disease while smoking, it is essential that you stop right away. Smoking can make your periodontal disease progress faster, and it can interfere with treatment.
Maintain Good Oral Health
One of the most powerful things you can do to lower your risk of periodontal disease is to brush and floss two times daily to clean plaque and bacteria off your teeth. You should also see your dentist for preventive exams and cleanings twice annually.
If you have red, swollen, or bleeding gums, you could be developing periodontal disease. Fortunately, University Associates in Dentistry can help. We offer scaling and root planing, dental implants, dentures, and other restorative treatments to help you reclaim your smile. Make an appointment at our Chicago dental office by calling (312) 704-5511.
