A healthy smile

means a healthier you.

Many people see gum disease as a condition that only affects our oral health. The truth is, our mouths are full of bacteria, both good and bad, and that bad bacteria can sometimes spread to other parts of the body, impacting the heart and lungs, raising blood sugar, and even increasing the risk of conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and rheumatoid arthritis.

With approximately 46% of adults aged 30 and older suffering from gum disease, it’s important to raise awareness about the connection between oral health and overall health. The good news is there’s a lot you can do to support your oral health and prevent and treat gum disease, and we’re right here to help you along the way.

Approximately 46% of adults aged 30 and older suffer from gum disease.

Approximately 46% of adults aged 30 and older suffer from gum disease.

Learn More about the Connection

Heart Disease

A build up of harmful bacteria in your mouth can spread through your bloodstream to your heart, causing an infection called endocarditis.

Diabetes

It’s important to properly care for your teeth to help control blood sugar levels, which is especially important for those with type 2 diabetes.

Respiratory Disease

Bacteria from your mouth can be pulled into your lungs, contributing to respiratory diseases such as pneumonia.

Oral Cancer

Early detection is essential when it comes to conditions such as oral cancer. Our dentists look for signs of oral cancer during routine checkups.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Research has shown an association between gum disease and rheumatoid arthritis symptoms for patients with this autoimmune condition.

Alzheimer’s Disease

An overgrowth of the same bad bacteria that causes gum disease has been shown to aid in the development and progression of Alzheimer’s disease, so it’s important to take care of your smile.

Asthma and COPD

Preventing gum disease can help protect your lungs from experiencing worsening inflammation caused by the spread of bad bacteria from the mouth.

Crohn’s Disease

Practicing good oral hygiene habits can prevent bad bacteria in the mouth from migrating to the gut, aggravating gut inflammation and conditions like IBD and Crohn’s disease.

Healthy Birth Weight

It’s important to keep a healthy smile while pregnant to help prevent premature birth and low birth weight.

Gut Health

Keeping a healthy smile can help prevent bad bacteria from migrating to your gut, disrupting the microbiome and causing inflammation.

How We Can Help

During regular visits with your dentists, we can help:

Clean teeth.

Your hygienist cleans your teeth to remove any plaque and tartar buildup before going in with a high-powered toothbrush to brush away any tartar left behind. Once brushing is complete, your hygienist will floss your teeth.

Treat gum disease.

Treatment for gum disease involves deep cleaning of the teeth. There are many methods for this, including scaling, root planing, and laser treatment. Your hygienist helps decide which route is most appropriate for you.

Look for signs of oral cancer.

During routine checkups, dentists are often the first to spot signs of oral cancer, where early detection is extremely important. Your dentist and/or hygienist will perform a physical exam of your mouth to check for inflamed gums, sores or other potential concerns.

Educate you on how to care for your teeth.

At your appointment, your hygienist can help show you how to properly brush and floss your teeth, as well as educate you on what to check for in your mouth at home, to ensure that you catch any concerns early enough.

Check your blood pressure.

During a routine visit, your dental team also checks your blood pressure, which can worsen with gum disease. High blood pressure can also be a sign of diabetes or heart disease.

What You Can Do

There are many things you can do to keep your mouth healthy, including:

Practice good oral health habits.

Brush your teeth twice a day, for at least two minutes. Floss daily and use a mouthwash to remove any leftover food particles. You should also replace your toothbrush every three to four months, or sooner if bristles are splayed, worn, or if you’ve been sick.

Watch for signs of gum disease.

If you notice your gums are bleeding, this can be a sign of gum disease, which is the leading cause of tooth loss. Be sure to keep up with your flossing routine and talk to your hygienist at your next appointment for additional guidance. With some extra care, we can work together to treat gum disease before it gets worse.

Keep up with regular visits to the dentist.

Visit your dentist at least twice a year for routine checkups. More frequent visits are necessary for gum disease treatment.

Improve your diet.

Try to limit sugary foods and drinks and make sure to drink lots of water.