What you need to know
Did you know that most adults will lose teeth during their lifetime? Undiagnosed gum disease not only makes you two times more likely to lose a tooth, but it also may put you at risk for other conditions, including Alzheimer’s. Dr Amy Doneen and Dr Bradley Bale, MD, have researched periodontal bacteria gum disease and have clinically shown a direct correlation between gum disease, heart disease, and strokes. Ongoing research on the connection between diabetes, bacterial pneumonia and more is underway. When it comes to periodontal disease, preventative care is crucial. As holistic dentists, our team will work to monitor your health before and after a gum disease diagnosis. Our treatment approach includes advanced holistic care, nutrition recommendations, and a recommended oral hygiene regime.
Understanding the causes of gum disease
Gum disease is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the soft tissues surrounding your teeth. As you go about the business of eating or drinking, small molecules of food debris, saliva, and bacteria get trapped between your teeth and your gums. Typically, the goal of brushing and flossing is to remove plaque and prevent it from becoming tartar.
Because both plaque and tartar contain bacteria, the waste excreted by these organisms is toxic to our gum tissue. When these bacteria grow and colonize, inflammation and infection occur, causing gums to swell, bleed, and even pull away from your teeth. As your gums recede, bacteria move into these pockets, making infection more difficult to treat.
When should you talk to your dentist about gum disease?
- Detecting and treating periodontal disease early is vital. The only proven method for diagnosing gum disease is to carefully measure your periodontal pockets and measure recession, noting where the gums are receding. The latest dental imaging technologies allow quality dental professionals to quickly identify sub gingival calculous and treat gum disease. As part of your treatment be sure to ask your dentist for a personalized management plan, to help you keep your overall oral health on track.
- If you haven’t been to the dentist in more than 6 months, or if you’ve noticed any of the following, contact a holistic biological dentistry practice right away.
- Swelling or redness of gum tissue
- Tenderness or sensitivity of gum tissues
- Bleeding gums
- Persistently bad breath
- Your bite feels different, or your teeth feel loose
- You’ve noticed your gum have receded or your teeth seem longer
- There’s pus in your gum line
- The good news is that, when diagnosed early, gum disease can be quite treatable. For more information on gum diseases and holistic solutions please don’t hesitate to contact me anytime
Tanya
Director of Patient Education
Four Seasons Dental Spa
