How Gum Disease Affects My Health

Posted in: Gum Disease Prevention, Gum Treatment

red head in dental chair

Gum disease is a common problem caused by a bacterial infection in the gum tissue surrounding the teeth. If this goes untreated, the disease can continue to worsen and eventually lead to loose or missing teeth. In addition to these issues, many people may not realize that gum disease can have an effect on your overall systemic health as well.

If you do not brush, floss and visit the dentist regularly, your dental hygiene is most likely lacking. Not prioritizing these simple steps can put you at risk of gum disease. However, there are a number of other factors that can make you vulnerable as well. This includes stress, poor nutrition, tobacco usage, and certain medications. If these factors play a role in your life, you may need to pay extra attention to your oral health.

Bacteria can form in your mouth, causing plaque to build along the gumline. As this gradually turns into tartar, the gums can become infected, which ultimately leads to the development of gum disease. If left untreated, this can lead to loose teeth, bone loss, and systemic complications, such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

Periodontitis, the severe form of gum disease, is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults over the age of 35, but it can occur at any age. Even with the strictest brushing and flossing routine, the disease can still develop. If you wish to prevent or combat gum disease, Dr. Daniel Lauer and his staff are here to help.

Aside from good oral hygiene practices, you should regularly visit your dentist to ensure your teeth and gums remain healthy. For those who have gingivitis or a more severe form of gum disease, Dr. Lauer offers an array of advanced treatments. This includes the Waterlase MD™ laser technique, which is a virtually painless procedure that removes bacteria in the mouth and also cleanses the gums of infection.

If you would like to learn more about our practice and have our board-certified periodontist provide you with gum disease treatment, please feel free to contact us. We look forward to meeting you!