Regular visits to your dentist in The Woodlands for check-ups and cleanings do more than keep your teeth and gums healthy. Those visits may also save your life. Why? Because they protect you from periodontal (gum) disease.
It’s common knowledge that periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss. But studies published in the New England Journal of Medicine and the Journal of Periodontology report that periodontal disease can also lead to an increased risk of:
- Heart Disease
- Stroke
- Certain Cancers (including pancreatic cancer)
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Difficulty controlling blood sugar levels in diabetes
- Premature Birth
- Low Birth-Weight Babies
- and more
With more than 85 percent of people in the United States with some level of periodontal disease, chances are you have it. Check for the following symptoms: swollen gums, gums that bleed when you brush or floss, loose teeth, receding gum line and halitosis. But sometimes there aren't any symptoms at all.
The good news is that periodontal disease is treatable, and in many cases, reversible. With dental technology and advanced periodontal therapy, including ultrasonic scalers, dental lasers and antibiotics, gum treatment is more gentle, comfortable and effective than ever before.
It’s easy to keep your gums, teeth and your health in good shape. Simply visit my dental practice in The Woodlands for regular check-ups and cleanings. Brush and floss daily at home and use an oral irrigator. You’ll be smiling and feeling good!