Periodontal disease, or gum disease, affects millions globally and poses significant risks, such as tooth loss and systemic health issues. This guide explores the risk factors, prevention methods, causes, and warning signs of periodontal disease, empowering you to safeguard your oral health effectively.
Various factors increase the risk of periodontal disease:
Periodontal disease initiates with plaque accumulation, a bacterial film on teeth. Untreated plaque hardens into tartar, irritating gums and causing inflammation. This inflammation progresses to gingivitis and, if untreated, to periodontitis. Periodontitis results in gum recession, formation of infected pockets, and ultimately, irreversible damage to gums, bones, and ligaments, leading to tooth loss.
Recognizing early signs can prevent further damage:
Periodontal disease demands proactive prevention and swift treatment. Understanding risk factors, maintaining good oral hygiene, and seeking professional care can significantly lower the risk of gum disease and ensure a healthy smile for years to come. Act promptly upon warning signs to protect your oral health effectively.
As you embark on your journey toward optimal oral health, remember you’re never alone. Shine Dental Associates is your partner, guide, and source of unwavering support. Our team is dedicated to ensuring that every step you take toward a healthier smile is met with expertise, compassion, and personalized care. Don’t hesitate to contact us at (516) 271-0753—your destination for exceptional dental care and a brighter, more confident future. Let’s sail toward a world of smiles together!
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Dental fear and anxiety are common experiences that affect people of all ages. It refers to the feeling of unease or apprehension associated with visiting the dentist. While some level of nervousness before a dental appointment is normal, for some individuals, the fear can be overwhelming and debilitating.
Recognizing the signs and symptoms of dental anxiety can help address the issue proactively. Common indicators include:
In severe cases, dental anxiety can escalate into a phobia, leading to irrational and excessive fear of dental procedures. This fear may be triggered by past traumatic experiences, fear of pain, or feelings of loss of control. Individuals with severe dental anxiety may experience intense panic attacks at the mere thought of visiting the dentist.
Fortunately, there are several strategies to help challenge dental fears and make the experience more manageable:
Creating a positive and comfortable environment can make visiting the dental office a more pleasurable experience:
In addition to the aforementioned strategies, there are other methods for controlling dental stress:
Dental fear and anxiety should not prevent you from seeking essential dental care. By acknowledging your fears and implementing coping strategies, you can conquer dental anxiety and achieve optimal oral health. Remember, you’re not alone, and there are resources and professionals available to support you on your journey to a stress-free dental experience.
Let Shine Dental Associates and their team of dentists and medical anaesthesiologists help pave the way for a stress-free dental visit and a lifetime of healthy smiles. Together, we can overcome dental phobia and make your Smile Shine!
Call us today at (516) 348-8500 for a free consultation, or request an appointment here.
Maintaining good oral health is not just about a bright smile; it can also be a crucial factor in preventing life-threatening conditions such as heart disease. While most people associate dental check-ups with cavity prevention and gum health, the importance of routine dental visits extends beyond the mouth. In this article, we’ll explore the surprising connections between regular dental check-ups and overall well-being, with a sobering reminder from the tragic case of NFL wide receiver Mike Williams, whose life was cut short by brain infections originating from dental issues.
Research has shown that there is a profound connection between oral health and the health of the rest of the body. The mouth serves as a gateway to the body, and harmful bacteria from untreated dental issues can enter the bloodstream, leading to systemic health problems. Regular dental check-ups play a pivotal role in preventing these issues by identifying and addressing potential problems before they escalate.
One of the most startling connections discovered in recent years is the link between gum disease and heart disease. The bacteria that cause gum disease can enter the bloodstream and contribute to the formation of arterial plaque, increasing the risk of heart disease. Regular dental check-ups can help catch gum disease in its early stages, allowing for timely intervention and reducing the risk of cardiovascular problems.
The untimely death of NFL wide receiver Mike Williams serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of dental health. Williams passed away due to brain infections that originated from dental problems left untreated. This tragic incident underscores the potential severity of dental issues and highlights the need for regular check-ups, even for seemingly minor concerns.
Regular dental check-ups not only help prevent oral health issues but also play a crucial role in identifying potential signs of broader health problems. Dentists are often the first to notice symptoms such as inflammation, bleeding, or infection, which can be indicative of underlying systemic conditions. Early detection allows for prompt intervention, potentially preventing life-threatening complications.
As you embark on your journey toward optimal oral health, remember you’re never alone. Shine Dental Associates is your partner, guide, and source of unwavering support. Our team is dedicated to ensuring that every step you take toward a healthier smile is met with expertise, compassion, and personalized care. Don’t hesitate to contact us at (516) 348-8500 – your destination for exceptional dental care and a brighter, more confident future. Let’s sail towards a world of smiles together!
Dr. Mittle, a board certified periodontist, discusses the connection between the health of your gums and systemic diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, GERD, acid reflux, liver disease, etc.
The inflammatory process that begins in the mouth can travel to other parts of the body.
There are strong connections associated between periodontal disease and some of the systemic infections that are out there, such as heart disease, diabetes, liver problems, kidney problems, gird and acid reflux and even premature births. Everyone always asks, “How is that possible? I thought the mouth is separate from the body.”
The answer is no, not anymore. When we have inflammation of the mouth because of plague and bacteria, your body responds to it by sending out certain chemical mediators in the mouth.
Remember, it’s the same blood that circulates from your gum tissue to the rest of your body. So those inflammatory markers — we’ll just call it that — goes out now to the heart and to the liver and the prostaglandins and the CRPs and what you normally hear about either on TV or newspapers.
Remember, it’s all generated from your gum tissue, from the plaque and bacteria, and then your blood. Remember, the same blood from your gum tissue goes to your heart and it takes all those infections, those inflammatory markers and even some of the bacteria. It’s been shown on microscopes the fact that it actually gets to your heart and that can cause, again, heart disease. That’s what heart disease is, inflammatory disease.
Diabetes is an inflammatory disease. In fact, if you even treat your periodontal condition it has been shown, even in medical journals, your diabetes actually decreases. Your AIC, the number that everyone always talks about with diabetes has been shown to go down.
When you have gum inflammation, some of the markers out there I was talking about, prostaglandins, well that’s the same thing that is caused when you want to induce a baby during birth, when they go through induction. Well, that’s the same chemical that they inject in you and that’s the same chemical that is produced in your gum tissue.
So if you’re pregnant and you have severe periodontal disease or sever gum inflammation, it can actually spread throughout your body. It goes into your body and it’s the same thing for the prostaglandins that can actually induce and cause premature births. In fact, now the endocrinologists and even the OBs actually recommend getting cleanings while you’re pregnant because it’s very important. They’re recognizing the fact that we want to eliminate all these inflammatory markers and try to get a healthy baby.
If you have any questions regarding periodontal disease and the connections to systemic diseases, please call us at the number below for a complimentary consultation and I’ll be happy to answer all of your questions.
If you have loose teeth, if your gums bleed…this may be a serious problem because you may have periodontal disease, or bone loss around your teeth.
Bone is what stabilizes your teeth together and if your gums bleed you may have inflammation and bone destruction.
This is a very serious problem that can not only effect your teeth and possibly lead to complete loss of your teeth, but it can also have negative consequences for your overall health because there is a strong relationship between periodontal disease and heart disease, diabetes, kidney problems, and more, as Board Certified Periodontist, Dr. Vikas Mittle explains in this video…
The important thing to remember is to NOT let periodontal problems wait to be treated.
Treating periodontal issues is simple. Proper treatment of the gums can not only save your teeth but also improve your overall health and well being.
Periodontal treatment is pain-free. It does not require a long recovery time. In fact, you can receive periodontal treatment and then go to work the same day having to take Tylonol or Motrin for any discomfort.
You can receive a FREE complimentary consultation with Board Certified Periodontist, Dr. Vikas Mittle of Shine Dental Associates in Syosset by calling (516) 348-8500.
