When you think about your health, your gums might not be the first thing that comes to mind. But the truth is, they play a much bigger role than most people realize. Taking care of your gums isn’t just about keeping your teeth in place—it’s about protecting your whole body.
This is why periodontal care at Airdrie 8th Street Dental is so important for your overall health. As a cornerstone of preventative dentistry, it plays a vital role in protecting your smile.
What Is Periodontal Care?
Periodontal care focuses on the overall health of your gums and the structures that support your teeth. It involves regular check-ups, professional cleanings, and treatments to prevent or manage gum disease (also called periodontal disease).
Gum disease often starts with plaque buildup that leads to inflammation, called gingivitis. Left untreated, it can advance to periodontitis—a serious infection that damages gum tissue, causes tooth loss, and contributes to other health issues.
How Oral Health Affects Your Whole Body
Your mouth is a gateway to your body. Inflammation and bacteria in your gums don’t just stay there—they can travel through your bloodstream
and affect other systems.
Here’s how poor gum health can impact your overall health:
- Heart Disease – People with gum disease are more likely to suffer from heart disease. Inflammation caused by periodontal disease may contribute to clogged arteries and increase the risk of heart attacks.
- Diabetes – Gum disease makes it harder to control blood sugar, and people with diabetes are more prone to infections, including gum infections. It’s a two-way relationship that makes periodontal care critical for diabetics.
- Respiratory Problems – Bacteria from the mouth can be inhaled into the lungs, potentially leading to infections or worsening conditions like pneumonia.
- Pregnancy Complications – Gum disease has been linked to premature birth and low birth weight.
Early Identification of Gum Disease
Gingivitis is the most common form of periodontal disease and is evident when your gums become red and swollen. Your gum tissues tend to bleed easily and may be painful when eating or brushing your teeth. Gingivitis is usually caused by inadequate oral health and is the only reversible form of gum disease.
When gingivitis is left untreated, it can advance to a form of gum disease called Periodontitis. Plaque and calculus spread below the gum line, and when left untreated, Periodontitis may cause the supporting bone and tissues to be broken down and destroyed. Advanced Periodontitis is permanent and often results in tooth loss.
Why Prevention Matters
Periodontal care for your overall health starts with prevention. While regular brushing and flossing at home are essential, they aren’t enough on their own. Professional cleanings and dental exams help your care team catch early signs of gum disease before they turn into more serious problems.
With early detection and consistent periodontal care, you can protect your gums and lower your risk of long-term health complications.
Non-Invasive Periodontal Care
If gum disease is treated early, less invasive procedures may be used to stop the progression of your gum disease. At 8th Street Dental, our Periodontal Care includes:
- Scaling to remove tartar and bacteria from the surfaces above and below your gumline.
- Root planing treatment to smooth the surface of the root, thus discouraging any further buildup of tartar and bacterial endotoxin.
- Dr. Rahul Mathur may recommend using topical or oral antibiotics to help reduce bacterial infection of the gums. Topical antibiotics may include antibiotic mouth rinses or gels containing antibiotics, which are used directly after a deep cleaning. The use of oral antibiotics may be necessary to eliminate the infection-causing bacteria completely.
We know that maintaining the health of your teeth and gums for a lifetime of dental wellness is important to you, which is why we offer Periodontal Care to help you achieve your goal for optimum dental health. Whether you’ve noticed bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, gum recession, or simply want to stay ahead of any issues, our team is here to support you.
