At Illuminate Dentistry, we are committed to caring for your complete oral health. Did you know that periodontal disease (gum disease) affects not only your oral health, but also your general health too? Dr. Rachelle Boudreau, Dr. Vincent Benedetti and our team offer complete dental care in Cincinnati, Ohio, to help you keep your mouth and body healthy for life.
The Mouth-Body Connection
Studies have shown that there is a direct correlation between oral and physical health, especially when periodontal disease is present. Gum disease can cause health problems on its own but when paired with another degenerative health condition, periodontal disease can cause a myriad of problems throughout the body.
Doctors have seen a connection between the following conditions:
- Alzheimer’s Disease
- Diabetes
- Cancer
- Pregnancy (often causing premature and low birth weight in babies)
- Heart disease
Signs of Periodontal Disease
There are many signs that can be indicative of periodontal disease. If you are experiencing any of the following conditions, we recommend calling to schedule an appointment with our team:
- Red, swollen gums
- Pain in the mouth
- Bleeding while brushing, flossing or eating hard foods
- Receding gums
- Loose teeth
- Pus between the gums and teeth
- Sores in the mouth
- Bad breath
- Changes in the way your teeth fit when you bite
- Changes to the fit of dentures or removable appliances
Risk Factors for Periodontal Disease
Gum disease is most commonly noticed in patients with the following conditions:
- Smoking or using tobacco
- Not brushing or flossing teeth
- Family history of gum disease
- Systemic health conditions like diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis
- Pregnancy
During your appointment with our dentists and team we will check your mouth for indicators of gum disease. If we discover signs of gingivitis or periodontitis, we will create a personalized treatment plan to help you improve your oral health. We utilize various evaluative tools, like microscope analysis to check your smile for signs of damage. Additionally, we have many treatment options available to improve your oral health.
Call 513-772-0722 to set up an appointment with our experienced team today.