Every year International Health Day lands on April 7, and while a lot of people concentrate on heart disease and diabetes, remembering your dental health is just as important. Dr. Tim Blieden, as a periodontist in Rochester and Webster, NY, wants you to know that gum disease is another significant risk to your health that needs daily care and treatment.
What Is Gum Disease?
Also known as periodontitis, gum disease occurs when you develop an infection around your gums. It often presents through a buildup on the teeth and bleeding gums. If left untreated, periodontitis can lead to a receding gum line, exposing the roots of the teeth and resulting in serious sensitivity to hot and cold beverages and food.
In advanced cases, it can even end in losing one or more teeth entirely.
How Is It Related to Other Health Issues?
International Health Day is an optimal time to schedule a check-up with our periodontist because gum disease is directly linked to general health and well-being in Rochester and Webster NY. In addition, an association somewhat appears to exist between periodontitis and strokes, heart disease, diabetes and obesity .
That doesn’t mean you’re going to develop these issues if you don’t brush your teeth–there are several different factors that lead to the development of those diseases. The argument is that dental care has to do with overall health–so taking good care of your teeth and avoiding gum disease can help reduce the risk of developing other serious health problems.
What Can You Do To Protect Yourself?
You can lower your risk of developing gum disease by employing proper brushing and flossing habits twice a day. However, even regularly brushing and flossing does not mean periodontists will not develop. You should also visit our periodontist twice a year to monitor the health of your gums and teeth. Regular screenings are vital to preventing the further development of gum disease and other dental problems. Contact our Rochester or Webster, NY offices to schedule a checkup with Dr. Blieden today.
