You do all the right things like brushing your teeth and flossing, but you keep hearing “gum disease” from your dentist. Is it that bad? Don’t worry about your teeth, though. Periodontal disease, also called gum disease, can affect more than just your teeth. It can affect your whole body. Let’s explore the risks of periodontal disease and Dento’s periodontal treatment in Kuala Lumpur

Periodontitis: More Than Just Gum Problems

Periodontitis starts with plaque buildup, a breeding ground for harmful bacteria. Left untreated, it detaches gums from teeth, creating pockets where bacteria thrive. These pockets are inaccessible to brushing, allowing the infection to worsen and destroy bone tissue supporting your teeth.

The Silent Threat: Early Stages Often Painless

The scary part? Periodontitis often progresses silently. By the time you experience pain or lose teeth, significant damage might already be done. Regular dental checkups at Dento are crucial for early detection and treatment.

Beyond the Smile: Periodontitis and Your Overall Health

Research increasingly links gum disease to a variety of health problems:

  • Cardiovascular Disease: Bacteria from inflamed gums can enter the bloodstream, potentially increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke.
  • Diabetes: Periodontitis can worsen blood sugar control in diabetics and vice versa.
  • Premature Birth and Low Birth Weight: Gum disease in pregnant women has been linked to these complications.
  • Other Chronic Conditions: Studies suggest connections between periodontitis and rheumatoid arthritis, respiratory problems, and even certain cancers.

The Inflammation Connection: How Periodontitis Takes a Toll

Think of your inflamed gums as a constantly open wound. This ongoing inflammation releases harmful chemicals into your bloodstream, potentially damaging organs and increasing your risk of various health issues.

How Periodontitis Treatment Can Help

The good news? Periodontitis treatment at Dento can improve your oral health and potentially benefit your overall well-being.  Studies show periodontal therapy can:

  • Lower inflammation markers linked to cardiovascular disease.
  • Improve blood sugar control in diabetics.
  • Reduce inflammation in other chronic conditions.

The Role of Periodontal Therapy

So if periodontitis affects your general health, can treating periodontitis reverse your fate?

There is evidence on the effect of periodontal therapy in lowering the levels of CRP in cardiovascular disease. Periodontal therapy has also been shown to reduce the level of glycated hemoglobin, HbA1c (0.4-0.7%) in diabetic patients, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate, ESR in rheumatoid arthritis patients.

Therefore, periodontal therapy may not only help achieve and maintain a healthy smile into your twilight years but may also help with the management of other chronic inflammatory conditions.

Steps to Prevent Periodontitis

  • Practice good oral hygiene: Brush twice daily and floss once a day to remove plaque buildup.
  • Regular dental checkups: Schedule checkups and cleanings at Dento to monitor your oral health and detect gum disease early.
  • Healthy lifestyle: Quit smoking, eat a balanced diet, and exercise regularly to support overall health.

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late!Periodontitis is a serious condition, but with proper treatment and preventive measures, you can maintain a healthy smile and protect your overall well-being. Contact Dento’s Periodontal Treatments and Services in KL today to schedule an appointment and discuss your gum health. Healthy mouths lead to healthy bodies!