Gum disease treatment & preventive dentistry in Meriden CT!

Dental Group of Meriden-Wallingford Meriden CT

(203) 235-5588 | Meriden, CT 06450

Dentistry Meriden CT

Preventive Dentistry Meriden, CT

Gum Disease Can Lead to Lost Teeth

Often tooth loss is the result of gum disease. Gum disease can be totally painless in the early stages. Symptoms may include bleeding gums when brushing or flossing and loose or shifting teeth. If you've been told you need periodontal (gum) disease treatment, you might be happy to know that it's possible to halt gum disease with a variety of non-surgical techniques.

Preventive Dentistry Meriden CTGum Disease Can Contribute to Heart Disease and Even Stroke

The statistics are unbelievable. The American Dental Association estimates that 80% of Americans have periodontal (gum) disease. At that level, afflictions such as AIDS or tuberculosis would be considered an epidemic. Most dentists do, in fact, consider gum disease at an epidemic level. The biggest consequence was believed to be tooth loss. Not exactly pleasant, but not life threatening. Or is it? Recent medical research has demonstrated a connection between gum disease, stroke, and heart disease. Since heart disease can be fatal, gum disease is obviously a very serious matter.

The American Academy of Periodontology states, "Studies found periodontal infection may contribute to the development of heart disease, increase the risk of premature, underweight births, and pose a serious threat to people whose health is already compromised due to diabetes and respiratory diseases." Periodontal disease is characterized by a bacterial gum infection. These bacteria can then travel through the bloodstream - directly to the heart.

The Realities of Lost Teeth

Even though losing a tooth isn't exactly life threatening, a single missing tooth can still lead to many problems. The other adjacent teeth try to fill in any gaps, which can mean tilting and poor alignment. This prevents proper chewing and your ability to absorb nutrients from your food. For some patients, the change in appearance can be worse. Without teeth to support your face, combined with bone loss in the jaw, it can get a sunken, older look. It can make talking difficult, and the inability to chew in those spaces can cause you to favor unhealthy food options, often causing weight gain.

We can help arrest your gum disease and bring your smile back to health. Give us a call today at (203) 235-5588 for preventive dentistry in Meriden, CT.