Many out there do not realize that oral health is an integral part of your overall health. Unfortunately, oral health conditions such as periodontal disease can lead to a lower quality of life. When one area of the body is diseased, it can affect other areas of the body. This is certainly the case for the mouth. Periodontal disease has been linked to over 37 other diseases, including Alzheimer’s, diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, and lung disease.
What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection that results in inflammation of the gums and bones surrounding and supporting the teeth. The early stage of gum disease is called gingivitis. This is when gums become swollen and red and occasionally bleed with brushing and flossing. The good news is that gingivitis is completely reversible if properly treated by a dental professional. However, if gingivitis is left untreated, it progresses to periodontitis, leading to irreversible damage of gum recession, bone loss, and teeth loosening. The same bacteria that damage the mouth can also travel into the bloodstream through swollen gums and infect other areas of the body, causing disease through inflammatory processes.
There are warning signs of periodontal disease:
· Swollen gums
· Bleeding gums
· Bad Breath that won’t go away
· Painful chewing
· Loose Teeth
· Sensitive Teeth
· Receding Gums
A holistic approach to periodontal disease
Over the past few years, consumer interest in a more natural alternative to medicine has increased, including holistic dentistry, also known as biological dentistry. The main difference between holistic dentistry and traditional dentistry is to treat the patient as a whole and not just their teeth. Traditional dentists have treated periodontal diseases for years, but some of their methods have led to negative outcomes. Typically, treatments for periodontal disease involve scaling and root planing, irrigation with antibiotic agents, and invasive gum surgeries. The holistic approach to a periodontal disease involves noninvasive alternatives to treating the gums. Holistic dentists use low-level laser disinfection, microscopic bacterial analysis, and nontoxic irrigation in addition to conventional tartar removal techniques. Not only do holistic dentists treat periodontal disease, but they also emphasize the importance of prevention along with proper nutrition.
Health First Dental is one of Calgary’s leading holistic dentist offices. Maintaining health is more important than treating disease. Our patients are all on a regular preventative dental maintenance program. This program provides early detection of periodontal disease. Contact us to set up a holistic approach to treating and preventing gum diseases.
We look forward to helping you in your quest for better overall health!
Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/conditions/periodontal-disease.html#:~:text=Reference-,What%20is%20periodontal%20disease%3F,red%2C%20and%20they%20may%20bleed.
https://open.bu.edu/handle/2144/36619