Your dentist in Fort Lauderdale recommends you brush twice daily for two minutes and floss daily. While we have the best intentions to do so, especially in the days after our dental cleaning and exam, sometimes in the rush out of the door in the morning and in our exhaustion as we head to bed, we give our teeth a quick 30 second swipe or just skip brushing altogether! So what's the big deal? How bad can it be?
Research has shown a direct correlation between the condition of your oral health and your overall health. When we neglect our oral health, we are prone to both gum disease and dental decay (cavities). When your skip brushing or flossing or in areas where you brush or floss inadequately, the naturally occuring bacteria in your mouth produce a biofilm known as plaque. The bacteria in plaque produce acids that irritate your gums causing them to become inflamed and to easily bleed during brushing. If plaque is left on teeth, it will harden into tartar which makes cleaning your teeth more difficult. This first stage of gum disease is known as gingivitis and can be reversed with proper dental hygiene. At this stage there is no irreversible bone or other tissue damage. If, when you visit your dental hygienist in Fort Lauderdale for dental cleaning and exam, she finds you have gingivitis, you can reverse it with twice daily brushing, flossing daily and regularly scheduled dental cleanings.
"Gum disease is the most common
chronic inflammatory condition
in the world"
If gingivitis is not treated, your gum disease can advanced until periodontitis develops. At this stage, the inner layer of the gum and bone pull away from the teeth and form pockets. These small spaces between teeth and gums collect debris and tartar can collect below the gum line. Your body's immune system fights the bacteria as the plaque spreads and grows below the gum line. The gum and connective tissue holding your teeth in place pull away and leaving your teeth loose. As tooth become loose, tooth loss is a common result.
If you are experiencing red, swollen or bleeding gums, pain when chewing, poor tooth alignment, receding gums and clear pockets between teeth and gums, you need to visit your family dentist in Fort Lauderdale as soon as possible. Call Excellence in Dentistry at 954-928-1666 to schedule an appointment for dental cleaning and exam. Nancy Rotroff, DDS, MAGD and Gerard Wasselle, DMD want to partner with you for your best oral health.
Research has uncovered potential links between gum disease and other serious health conditions. When your immune system is healthy, the bacteria in your mouth that makes its way into the bloodstream is usually harmless. Gum disease causes chronic inflammation of the gums, connective tissue, and bone supporting your teeth, but also has been shown to be linked to inflammation in other parts of the body. Current research suggests that the bacteria that causes gum disease can also cause inflammation of the heart and other organs. Beyond its impact on your oral health, gum disease has been linked to conditions such as diabetes, stroke and heart disease as well as premature births or low birth weight. The American Dental Association's Sally Cram, DDS, PC, reports “They’re finding the role of inflammation in the body is very critical to a lot of these different diseases,” Cram tells WebMD. “And that’s essentially what gum disease is: infection and inflammation in the oral cavity.” Maintaining your best oral health can add years to your life and quality to those years. Senior dental care is an important part of healthy aging.
Your dentist in Fort Lauderdale wants you to know that your gingivitis can be controlled and treated with good oral hygiene and regular professional teeth cleaning. If you have periodontal disease, it can be treated successfully but may require more extensive treatment. Your dentist will advise what treatment is best for you whether deep cleaning of the tooth root surfaces below the gums, medications prescribed to take by mouth or placed directly under the gums, or periodontal surgery.
Keeping your teeth and mouth clean is a key step in maintaining your overall health and preventing potential health complications. Dr. Rotroff and Dr. Wasselle are ready to partner with you to achieve and maintain your best health. Call Excellence in Dentistry at 954-928-1666 to schedule your dentist appointment for cleaning and exam and make your oral health a priority.
Nancy Rotroff, DDS, MAGD and Gerard Wasselle, DMD
2480 E. Commercial Blvd, Suite 2
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308
