Regular checkups don’t just prevent cavities and root canals. Preventative dentistry may also head off heart attack, stroke, diabetes – even catching oral cancer and osteoporosis early, before problems arise.
Every checkup includes a complete periodontal evaluation. That’s our part.
Your part is simple.
You brush, you floss, and every six months you come to Dr. Robert Mitchell, D.D.S.
In November 2012, Illinois Governor Pat Quinn declared February as Gum Disease Awareness Month. Gum disease is a silent killer in our society, affecting more adults than cancer, diabetes, or heart disease. With 74% of the population affected, only half are even aware of it.
While gum disease has long been associated with heart disease, strokes, and preterm births/low birth weights, in the last 12 months a significant number of systemic connections have been made between periodontal health and overall wellness. This focus on overall wellness has resulted in exploring periodontal links to obesity, erectile dysfunction, pancreatic cancer, diabetes, dementia, and rheumatoid arthritis. (Dental Economics)
Dentist Dallas TX | Dentist in Dallas TX, Dr. Robert Mitchell Shares Facts About Bleeding Gums
Do your gums bleed when you brush or floss your teeth? Or worse…do they bleed when you eat certain foods? While bleeding gums or gum sensitivity is not uncommon, the condition, known as gingivitis is typically a sign of more serious underlying oral health issues. Left untreated, the bleeding gums, or gingivitis can even progress to more complex conditions like periodontal disease that could lead to the loss of teeth. The bacteria associated with periodontal disease has also been associated with other illnesses like heart attacks, stroke, low birth weight babies, and Alzheimer’s Disease, just to name a few. It can even complicate existing conditions like Diabetes. Your oral health is directly connected to your overall health, that’s why it’s such a priority to us.
Treatment for bleeding gums centers on effective oral hygiene practices paired with comprehensive, routine dental care.
What Is the Condition Known As “Bleeding Gums”or Gingivitis?
If you have ever been brushing your teeth and seen a bit of pink when you rinsed out your mouth, this appearance of blood is not normal. Healthy tissue does not bleed. When your gums are consistently inflamed, bleeding, or are sensitive and swollen, you could be at risk for gum disease or other health issues.
When you have gingivitis, you may also notice other symptoms, such as bad breath, a bad taste in your mouth, redness or tenderness in your gums, and even receding gums.
What Causes Gum Sensitivity?
One of the primary causes of bleeding gums or gum sensitivity is the incomplete removal of plaque from the base of the teeth or gum line. Not eliminating this plaque allows bacteria to grow in your mouth, and at the gum line. It even begins to migrate under the gums if it is not professionally removed.
If the plaque is still not removed, it can harden and form what is called tartar, which eventually causes a more progressive condition known as gum disease or periodontitis. This disease causes increased gum bleeding, foul breath, bone loss, shifting of your teeth, and eventually toothloss.
While plaque buildup is the most common cause of bleeding gums, there are other causes as well. Excessive bleeding in your gums may indicate a bleeding disorder, leukemia, scurvy, vitamin K deficiency, or other systemic conditions.
Additionally, brushing too hard, ill-fitting dental restorations, and improper flossing can also cause your gums to bleed. Any bleeding should be checked by a dental professional and not left to chance!
What Are Some Ways to Treat Bleeding Gums?
Appropriate oral hygiene practices are the best way to prevent and treat bleeding gums or gingivitis. To maintain good oral health,you should brush your teeth with a soft-bristle toothbrush after each meal.Flossing daily or even twice a day is also a recommended practice. Using an antibacterial mouthwash also helps.
In addition to great home care, you should also visit the dentist at least once every 6 months to have the plaque removed from your teeth and to get a comprehensive checkup. It you have ANY signs of gum disease it is really important to see a dentist for a professional teeth cleaning every 3 months. Statistically it has been shown that it takes about 3 months for the bacteria that cause gum disease and bone loss to repopulate the mouth to a destructive level after a professional dental hygiene visit. By having a professional dental hygiene visit every 3 months you have the best chance of staying healthy and keeping the bacteria under control.
If you’ve experienced any bleeding or sensitivity in your gums, or if it’s been longer than 3 months since your last dental hygiene visit, give us a call today. We will find an appointment that works with your schedule. Don’t leave your oral or overall health to chance.
(972) 233-1311
Halloween isn’t the only cavity holiday. Heart shaped boxes of chocolates, candy hearts, peanut butter hearts, and M&Ms are just a few popular candies every Valentine’s Day. These treats have concentrated amounts of sugar. Whenever sugar comes in contact with the bacteria in your mouth, an acid is produced that attacks teeth and can cause cavities.
Each tooth is covered by a hard mineral substance called enamel. The enamel helps to protect your teeth, but because it’s a mineral, it can break down when it makes contact with the acids in your mouth. This is one of many reasons why drinking water is really good for the health of your mouth. It washes over your teeth and gums along with your saliva, helping to combat the acid and buildup of bacteria. Sugars and starches are the main enemies here, because bacteria thrive on them.
Once enough bacteria builds up, it’s going to form into plaque and then tartar, two or more enemies of your enamel. If you fail to take care of your teeth by brushing, flossing and drinking plenty of water, then the tartar and plaque will eventually eat away at the enamel, forming tiny holes that compromise the hard surface. This is what’s known as tooth decay. If enough acid builds up over time, these tiny holes get a little larger until they eventually become cavities.
So what to do this Valentines Day???
Some foods and candies create more problems for your teeth than others, including those that are sticky, dissolve slowly or are sucked, such as lollipops, hard candies, toffee, gum drops, taffy, caramel, peanut brittle, and high-energy sports bars. Make wise candy choices this Valentine’s Day or do indulge in your Valentine’s treat but make sure to maintain good oral health. Brushing with fluoride toothpaste twice daily, flossing once per day, drinking lots of water and rinsing with an alcohol-free mouthwash are all excellent preventative measures. You can also avoid sugary or starchy foods and, of course, visit your dentist twice a year for regular, professional cleanings. (http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/oral-care/problems/how-do-cavities-form.htm)
If you need to schedule a cleaning or check-up please do not hesitate and call today (972-233-1311)
❤️❤️HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY FROM DR. MITCHELL & STAFF ❤️❤️
Did you know that heart disease and oral health are linked? There are two different connections between heart disease and your oral health:
Many of the risk factors for gum disease are the same as those for heart disease, such as tobacco use, poor nutrition and diabetes. Overall, people who have chronic gum disease are at higher risk for a heart attack, according to the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD). Gum disease (called gingivitis in its early stages and periodontal disease in the late stages) is caused by plaque buildup along and below the gum line. Some researchers have suggested that gum disease may contribute to heart disease because bacteria from infected gums can dislodge, enter the bloodstream, attach to blood vessels and increase clot formation. It has also been suggested that inflammation caused by gum disease may also trigger clot formation. Clots decrease blood flow to the heart, thereby causing an elevation in blood pressure and increasing the risk of a heart attack.
Research shows that many systemic diseases – including heart disease – have oral symptoms. Dentists can help patients who have a history of heart disease by examining them for any signs of oral pain, infection or inflammation. According to the AGD, proper diagnosis and treatment of tooth and gum infections in some of these patients have led to a decrease in blood pressure medications and improved overall health. If you currently have heart disease, make sure to tell your dentist about your condition as well as any medications you are currently taking. Remember to carefully follow your physician’s and dentist’s instructions about health care, and use any prescription medications, such as antibiotics, as directed.
Gum disease affects 80% of American adults and often the condition goes undiagnosed. Warning signs that you may have gum disease include:
While regular dental exams and cleanings are necessary to remove bacteria, plaque and tartar and detect early signs of gum disease, you can play a major role in preventing gum disease every day. The best way to be proactive in maintaining your oral and overall health is scheduling regular dental checkups, getting professional cleanings and regular brushing and flossing. Taking steps to stop gum disease at the source is the best way to keep your smile beautiful at any age.
Information courtesy of the Academy of General Dentistry.
Here is Dr. Robert Mitchell Supporting #GoRedForWomen last year. (2015)
1 in 3 women die of heart disease and stroke each year. Celebrate National Wear Red Day with Go Red For Women!!! #GoRedForWomen
