Periodontics and Medicine

What is periodontal medicine?

Periodontal medicine is a specialized field of dentistry that focuses on gum health. The gums, or gingiva, surround the teeth. The gums are important for both oral health and overall health. Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in the United States and has been linked to heart disease, stroke, and pregnancy complications. With regular dental cleanings, periodontal medicine can help you keep your gums healthy and prevent disease.

Here are the signs you might have gum disease

Your dentist can check for signs of gum disease during every six-month checkup. Unfortunately, many patients with gum disease don’t know they have it. Here are some of the warning signs to look out for:

• Bad breath
• Bleeding gums
• Receding gums
• Red gums
• Loose teeth
• Pockets (pockets of gum tissue that have formed around your teeth)
• Gum sensitivity

2. Help prevent diabetes.

Diabetes is a disease that can cause problems with your metabolism. Diabetes can also cause an insulin deficiency, which may lead to high blood sugar.

Gum disease can also cause these problems. This is because periodontal disease can cause inflammation throughout the body. This inflammation disrupts the gut microbiome, which can affect the body’s ability to process insulin properly.

Protecting against gum disease is especially important for people living with diabetes. In fact, people with uncontrolled diabetes are more likely to develop gum disease.

3. Promote better sleep.

Studies show that people with poor oral health are more likely to experience sleep-related problems. These problems include snoring and sleep apnea. If left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to an increased risk of diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure. When treating gum disease, it is important to address the underlying issues that could be causing sleep problems.