ORAL HEALTH

If these attackers get past your body’s natural defenses, the result is periodontal (gum) disease. Periodontal disease contributes to other diseases, such as:

• Heart disease/Heart attacks
  
• Diabetes
  
• A higher risk of delivering premature, low birth-weight infants
  
• Infective endocarditis, a potentially fatal disease
  
• Respiratory (breathing related) disease
  
• A we akened immune system that can slow healing of wounds and reduce the patient’s response to hepatitis B and flu vaccines
  
• Tooth loss
  

Periodontal (gum) disease is an infection in the mouth that destroys the portion of the jawbone that holds your teeth in place. Periodontal disease not only robs you of your teeth, it can destroy your health as well. Bacteria from the gum tissue enters the bloodstream, and can destroy immune cells, as well as travel to organs in the body. If these cells or organs are compromised, damage or disease can occur to the body.

Unlike many diseases, gum disease progresses silently – often with no pain. Many people who have periodontal (gum) disease do not realize it until their dentist diagnoses the problem. At the age of 35, three of every four people have gum disease.

Gum disease can be arrested and controlled if caught early. Dr. Robert Holt, a periodontist with the Florida Institute for Periodontics & Dental Implants, states: “In the past, periodontal disease was just considered a mouth infection. But it's not just a mouth infection anymore. Researchers have discovered correlations between periodontal disease and chronic medical conditions. Now, more than ever, people have solid reasons for taking care of their teeth and gums.”

Oral Disease Prevention

Gum disease isn’t the only dental problem out there. There are other problems like oral cancer that need to be caught early in order to be treated. However, a routine examination at Cross Creek Dental every six months (with a VizLite Plus exam added in once a year to detect oral cancer) will help you catch any problems while they are easy to treat.

Roger Smith, DDS states, “More than 120 disease signs and symptoms can now be detected through a routine oral exam. Regular dental checkups are more important than ever, not only for oral health but for general well being.”

Dental exams may show problems in the rest of your body as well. For example, dental X-rays may show the first signs of the bone loss which indicates osteoporosis. With 44 million Americans at risk for this disease, you can see the importance in regular examination.

Additionally, there are instances in which pain in the area of the mouth may show that a health issue is imminent. A sore and painful jaw is a warning signal to older people that a heart attack is possible. Bad breath and bleeding gums are often indicators of Type 2 diabetes.

Treatment for Periodontal Disease

Cross Creek Dental, the office of Dr. Rice & Associates and our expert team of hygienists offer several effective treatments for this destructive disease. If you have any stage of periodontal disease, Dr. Rice and our hygienists can discuss the treatment options with you.

Early Warning Signs of Gum Disease

If you experience any of these signs or symptoms, you should contact us right away:

• Bleeding gums when brushing teeth
  
• Red, swollen, or tender gums
  
• Pus coming out of gums when they are pressed
  
• Loose permanent teeth
  
• Persistent halitosis (bad breath)
  
• Dentures which no longer fit properly
  

All of the above symptoms are indicators of gum disease eating away the portion of the jawbone which supports your teeth. This is can often been treated simply when caught early – so don’t wait!

Call us today at our Fayetteville, North Carolina office: (910) 868-6001 .