Gum disease might be more prevalent in the American population than most people think. It is sometimes put off as a minor oral health affliction, when in fact it can pose some serious consequences to your mouth and even your medical health.
The American Dental Association has estimated that nearly 47% of Americans over the age of thirty have some form of gum disease. This is a needlessly high number when you consider that gum disease can often be prevented with oral hygiene habits and regularly attending a biannual dental checkup at Dr. Justin Nichols’s dental office in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
Earlyon gum disease appears as a modest gum inflammation known as gingivitis. Most of the time, this level of infection can often be remedied by a thorough cleaning procedure at Dr. Justin Nichols’s clinic. You can then prevent future issues with improvements in your daily oral hygiene routine.
Without timely treatment and daily remediation, gingivitis will slowly develop into the more dangerous form of gum disease known as periodontitis. This level of infection in the gum tissues can cause them to recede from the base of your teeth. This enables pockets of infection to form deep within the gum tissues. In time, it can even result in a loss of bone structure deep down where your teeth anchor in the sockets.
Severe periodontitis can also lead to systemic inflammation complications that tax your immune system. New research has found this can related to other medical conditions including diabetes, heart disease, and certain types of cancer. While gum disease cannot cause these conditions, it does have a relationship with them that may limit your treatment options.
If you live in the Sioux Falls, South Dakota area and you have periodontal health concerns, you should call (605) 335-8640 to schedule an oral health exam with Dr. Justin Nichols. Here at Prairie Dental Center, we will be happy to assist you and the care of your smile.