Do you experience constant bad breath?
I know it’s probably not a subject you discuss with your friends or even your family. But if you are suffering with constant bad breath it might not be the toothpaste you are using but you might be suffering with Periodontal or more commonly known as gum disease.
Gum disease is an inflammatory disease of the gums and the tissues that support the teeth. It is a relatively common infection that is caused by specific types of bacteria.
What damage can it do?
Anyone who develops gum disease but doesn’t do anything about it will eventually find themselves with a bad taste in their mouths and bad breath. Unpleasant as that can be though it isn’t the real cause for concern because gum disease can lead to gingivitis, which means your gum tissues become sore and puffy. If this too goes untreated then the disease will reach a stage called periodontitis, which affects underlying bones and means your teeth will become increasingly lose. Eventually, if untreated, periodontitis will lead to tooth loss.
Other major issues with gum disease
Losing any number of teeth is bad enough but gum disease can have even more damaging effects on a sufferer’s health. It is linked to pneumonia, bronchitis and osteoporosis. Studies have also shown that women with osteoporosis may be at higher risk of gum disease and the same is true in reverse.
Diabetes is also a big concern in this context because gum disease makes it considerably more difficult for people to control their blood sugar levels. We also know that instances of heart disease and strokes are more common if you are suffering with gum disease, with these two very serious cardiovascular conditions among the leading causes of death in the UK.
An association has also been found between serious periodontal disease and pre-cancerous lesions and Alzheimer’s disease. Plus, during pregnancy, gum disease is associated with premature births and with lower birth weights.
How to offset the dangers of gum disease
Your best defence against gum disease is a healthy diet of fruits and vegetables and a robust dental healthcare routine, which should include regular visits to your dentist.
Drinking water instead of too many acidic drinks is also very important because these kinds of beverages do tend to make gums more susceptible to bacterial infection. Regular brushing, flossing and dental health check-ups are crucial too and will always play a major part in the prevention of gum disease.
So what are you waiting for? Call White Star Dental on 0208 427 1800 to arrange a visit or to find out more about how to prevent gum disease now and in the future.
