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The following article was published in Your Health Magazine. Our mission is to empower people to live healthier.
Karl A. Smith, DDS, MS
Improve Your Overall Health This New Year Take Care Of Your Teeth and Gums
Karl A. Smith, DDS, LLC
. http://www.drkarlsmith.com/

Improve Your Overall Health This New Year Take Care Of Your Teeth and Gums

While we know eating right and tossing out the cigarettes are all part of our typical New Year's resolution to lead a healthier lifestyle, many of us are not aware of the overall health benefits of taking good care of our teeth and gums.

Tooth decay, plaque and periodontal (gum) disease is a health problem that doesn't normally get a lot of New Year's resolution attention. In fact, many adults with gum disease are not aware of the diagnosis, symptoms or its lasting effects. Medical evidence concludes that poor oral health, gum disease, cavities, plaque buildup, etc., can contribute to other problems in the body.

The Causes and Symptoms

of Gum Disease

Periodontal disease is an inflammatory disease that affects the soft and hard structures that support your teeth. In its early stage, called gingivitis

gums become swollen and red due to inflammation;

teeth and gums often bleed while brushing.

In the more serious form of periodontal disease — called periodontitis

gums pull away from the tooth as infection settles in;

supporting gum tissues are destroyed;

supportive jaw bone can be lost;

your teeth will loosen and eventually fall out.

Diagnosing Periodontal Disease

Periodontists are dentists who specialize in the treatment and prevention of periodontal (gum) disease. They are experts in the treatment of oral inflammation, plaque and bacteria as they receive extensive training in these areas during their three additional years of education beyond dental school. Periodontists are familiar with the latest techniques for diagnosing and treating periodontal disease.

Make it your New Year's resolution to take better care of your mouth and teeth.

Brush twice daily Your mouth is the front line for battling the bacteria.

Floss daily Your toothbrush can't reach between your teeth. Daily flossing cleans the spaces between teeth.

Have at least two dental cleanings a year Your dental hygienist supplements your daily brushing and flossing.

Get a regular annual dental checkup Preventative dentistry is better for your health.

Visit a Periodontist for gum evaluation All adult patients should have full periodontal exams with charting accomplished once a year. This provides you and your Dentist with a baseline measurement to record the pocket depth (space between your teeth and gums), the presence of gum disease, gum recession, bleeding, tooth mobility and plaque buildup.

Eat, drink and be wary The enemy of oral health is the group of natural bacteria that thrive on sugar and dissolve the protective enamel covering the teeth.

Consider a new and stronger smile Getting dental implants and crowns for missing or broken teeth isn't a luxury; these problems may leave you with shifting teeth and a vulnerability to gum disease.

Improving your dental health and preventing tooth decay can have a large health impact than just a healthy mouth and brighter teeth. Take control of your dental health and make an appointment with an experienced periodontist today.

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