Gingivitis vs Periodontitis – The Mouth & Body Connection
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"Periodontal disease and tooth decay are the two biggest threats to dental health"
Our goal at Total Care Dental & Wellness is to help empower you with the knowledge and tools to live happy and healthy lives.
Remember a “healthy body starts with a healthy mouth”.
This is particularly true when it comes to your gums with an estimated 80% of people having varying degrees of gum infection. This gum infection or gum disease is usually talked about in two stages gingivitis and periodontitis, with periodontitis being the more serious condition.
This disease can lead to health issues that affect the whole body and cause havoc on your daily life.
Below is a list of related health issues…
Health Issues Related To Gum Disease Can Include:
- Cardiovascular Disease
- Fetal Death
- Colon Cancer
- Joint Problems
- Pulmonary Disease
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Brain Abscess
- Alzheimer’s Disease
- Spleen Problems
- Pre-term Birth
- Upper Respiratory Infection
- Osteoporosis
- Cancers
- Pre-Eclampsia
- Coronary Artery Disease
- Diabetes
- Liver Disease
- Infertility & Erectile Dysfunction
- Kidney Disease
- Stroke
- Prostatitis
- And more
Gums, A Shield For Your Health
When we think of a healthy mouth we tend to think of our teeth, not our gums but truthfully, the teeth and gums are so closely connected that it is impossible to choose which is more important in having a healthy mouth.
In the same way that gum health impacts teeth, teeth health impacts gum health. Taking excellent care of both your gums and teeth is the best course of action.
Your gums act as a shield and protect your teeth and jaw bone from bacteria and other invaders from gaining access to your body.
Damage to your gums and poor dental hygiene can lead to bacteria growth that leads to plaque and tartar buildup that spreads underneath your gums.
This can lead to the soft tissue being damaged and without treatment can lead to bone and tooth loss.
"People with periodontal disease have 2x higher risk of dying from heart disease and 3x higher risk of dying from a stroke"
What Are Gum Disease Symptoms?
Healthy gums are firm, pale pink, and fit snugly around teeth.
Flossing or brushing will not cause them to feel sensitive or bleed.
Signs and symptoms of gum disease may include:
- Gums that are swollen or puffy
- Gums that bleed easily
- Gums that are tender to the touch
- Receding gum line
- Gums that are bright red, or purplish
- After brushing, the toothbrush has a pink tint
- Loose teeth or loss of teeth
- When brushing or flossing your teeth, you spit out blood
- Bad breath
- Pain when chewing
- Change in tooth fit when you bite
- Change in tooth spacing
Gingivitis Vs Periodontitis
Gingivitis:
The official name for the gums is “gingiva”. And “itis” always means inflammation.
So gingivitis means inflammation of the gums.
This is the early stage of Gum Disease where the gums bleed easily and are swollen, but the disease has not progressed to the jawbone.
Periodontitis:
Remember the ligament that connects your tooth to the bone? It’s called the periodontal ligament.
This disease is inflammation of the periodontal ligament and the bone beneath.
Periodontitis is inflammation of the bone and the gums.
This is Stage 2-4 gum disease when the disease has progressed into the bone and there has been early to advanced bone loss, threatening the tooth and your overall health.
Dentist Vs Periodontist
The term periodontist refers to a dentist who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal disease.
Dentists may treat some less serious periodontal cases, but they typically refer their patients to periodontists for the most complicated cases.
In addition, periodontists provide a variety of other specialized services.
It’s very important to catch gum disease in its early stages and prevent it from progressing.
Don’t wait and let gum disease take control of your health.
Schedule a Health and Wellness Exam at Total Care Dental & Wellness today!
Meet Dr. David Mishler, a dedicated surgeon, and periodontist at Total Care Dental & Wellness that doesn’t accept anything less than excellence.
At Total Care Dental & Wellness, your health is our top priority and you can expect every procedure to be done in the most natural and biological way possible.
Click below to schedule!
Dr. Mishler just took great care of me and saved my upper tooth and took care of my bottom tooth. Just by looking at his whole demeanor, I could tell he wanted what was best for me and wanted to help me. He even called to see how I was doing what a Dentist does that. I can’t even say words to describe how blessed I feel for going to this place. You will not be disappointed they are the best!
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