Friday, June 19, 2009

What Your Dental Health Says About You

dentist Encino

It's easy to ignore the effects of poor oral hygiene because they're hidden in your mouth. But gum disease produces a bleeding, infected wound that can be equal in size to the palms of both your hands.

Some may think that the worst consequence of poor dental health would be lost teeth and painful times at the dental office says dentist Encino. According to Encino orthodontist some studies have linked common oral problems to illnesses, such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, premature birth, osteoporosis, and even Alzheimer's disease.

It may be hard to tell if you have a mild case of gum disease. Healthy gums are pink and firm, fit snugly around the teeth, and do not bleed easily says Encino dentist. But mild cases of gum disease (gingivitis) cause:

Gums that are red, swollen, and tender.

Gums that bleed easily during brushing or flossing.

As gum disease gets worse (periodontitis), the symptoms are easier to see, such as:

Gums that pull away or shrink from the teeth.

Bad breath that won't go away.

Pus coming from the gums.

A change in how your teeth fit together when you bite.

Loose teeth.

Dental health is important for preserving overall health says veneers Encino specialist. If you think you have a mild case of gum disease, make sure to take care of it before it gets worse and contact your dentist today. Keeping your teeth and gums healthy and getting regular checkups from your dentist can keep the disease from getting worse.