When you brush and floss your teeth every day, chances are that you’re not thinking about how healthy your heart is. Research has shown, however, that there is a very important connection between oral health and overall wellness. At Dental Expressions in Oklahoma City, OK, Dr. Colin Holman and Dr. Natalie Frazier offer an all-encompassing range of general and preventive dentistry services, including gum disease therapy, to keep your smile and your heart healthy. (more…)
Healthy Smile, Healthy Heart: Gum Disease and the Mouth-Body Link
April 16, 2015
What You Need to Know About Periodontal Disease and Your Health
October 20, 2013
Do your gums bleed when you brush your teeth? Have you noticed that some of your teeth appear longer than they should as your gum line recedes? These are common signs of periodontal disease, more commonly referred to as gum disease. Most of us know that untreated gum disease can lead to undesirable side effects, including eventual tooth loss, but most patients are surprised to hear that there are other, potentially worse, consequences of periodontal infection. At Dental Expressions in Oklahoma City, OK, Dr. Holman and Dr. Frazier want to equip you with all of the tools and information you need to protect yourself from these hidden health dangers.
The Unexpected Connection
When a patient suffers from periodontal disease, harmful bacteria accumulates deep between gingival tissue and the teeth in recesses called gum pockets. When this bacteria leaches into the blood stream, it can travel throughout the rest of the body, wreaking havoc on other tissues and organs. Some of the most common systemic complications associated with untreated periodontal disease are:
- Increased risk of heart disease, heart attack and stroke
- Pulmonary hypertension
- Preterm birth and low birth weight babies in mothers with gum disease
- High blood pressure
- Poorly managed diabetes
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Pancreatic cancer
- Gastrointestinal disorders
Fortunately, treatment and prevention of periodontal disease can help dramatically reduce your risk of developing these and other health problems. Here at Dental Expressions, we’ll assess your unique oral health condition and formulate a treatment plan designed specifically for your needs. Following your treatment, simply continue visiting Dr. Holman and Dr. Frazier every six months for routine checkups and cleanings.
Take Control of Your Oral Health!
If you’ve noticed any of the common symptoms of gum disease, including redness, inflammation, bleeding, gum recession or chronic bad breath, contact our office today to schedule your assessment. Conveniently located in Oklahoma City, OK, we proudly serve patients from Moore, Norman, Midwest City and the surrounding areas.
