At your local Redwood City Dentist office, Dr. Roy can treat all types of oral health issues and practices preventative care so that patients can enjoy life without interruption. The challenge is that when people don’t have their teeth cleaned twice a year it can lead to cavities, gum disease, and other health issues. The entire body is connected, and because of this a healthy mouth is essential for staying healthy overall.
When you have your teeth cleaned on a regular basis it allows the dental hygienist to remove bacteria and plaque from your teeth and gums. This is important because no matter how often you brush and floss at home there are certain areas of your mouth that are difficult to reach. Removing the bacteria helps to prevent both cavities and gum disease. If Dr. Roy identifies any health issues, a treatment plan will be created so that you can stay in optimal health.
Gum disease is a major oral health issue that can impact everyone. It typically starts due to poor oral hygiene or lack of dental care. People who are diabetic are at a greater risk for the condition and should see the dentist more than twice a year in order to prevent health problems. If you notice that your gums are swollen and painful or are bleeding, schedule a dental exam right away with our Redwood City dentist office.
The first stage of gum disease is called gingivitis. It is uncomfortable but not necessarily painful. Gingivitis can make gums swell, bleed, and become red but typically the gums have not yet receded. During a routine dental exam Dr. Roy will look for signs of gingivitis and if identified will perform a deep cleaning in order to remove bacteria from on and underneath the gums. This procedure should be done right away because by removing the bacteria the gums are typically able to heal and the disease is reversed entirely.
If left untreated, gum disease will spread and can become painful. It is common for pockets to develop in the gum tissue and expose the roots and structure of the tooth. Bacteria will form in these pockets and start to attack the tooth and roots which may lead to teeth falling out or a painful dental abscess. Unfortunately, severe gum disease cannot be treated by simply cleaning it. Oral surgery is often required in order to close up the pocket and secure the gums around the tooth once more. While the procedure is more intensive, it is necessary for healing.
Preventing gum disease and treating it quickly if it does manifest is essential for the overall health of the body. Most alarmingly gum disease has now been linked to the number one killer of men and women in the United States – heart disease. Millions of people are impacted by heart disease, and it kills one out of every four men and one out of every three women. Studies have found that 91 percent of people suffering from heart disease also have gum disease, showing a clear link between the two conditions. This is only one example of how the health of your mouth can impact the rest of your body. Prevent gum disease and other health issues by scheduling an appointment with our Redwood City dentist office today.
