When you think about going to the dentist, you probably expect your Tampa Palms dental team to focus on your teeth and gums, right? But what if they went beyond what’s happening inside your mouth? What if they considered your overall wellness and dedicated their time and efforts to helping you live a happy, healthy, well-balanced life?
If all that sounds too good to be true, you should know that at All Dental, we approach dentistry differently than most other dental offices. We believe in treating your overall well-being by focusing on using biocompatible materials and minimizing unnecessary exposure to metal restorations. We also recommend products that can naturally keep your mouth healthy and happy.
And we don’t stop there; we understand how important your gum health is to your whole-body wellness, so we educate our patients about how gum infections can lead to serious health concerns.
Let’s explore some of the systemic risk factors you need to be aware of and how holistic dentistry can help you avoid disease.
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a common dental infection that occurs when sticky plaque builds up along your gumline.
Here are some of the most common symptoms of gum disease:
- Red or swollen gums — Your gum tissue should be firm and pink, so if it’s red and inflamed, you could have gum disease.
- Bleeding gums — If your gums bleed when you brush and floss, that’s a sign that you need to visit your dentist.
- Pain and sensitivity — It isn’t normal for your gums to feel tender to the touch or painful when you’re eating.
- Receding gums — If you notice that your gums are pulling away from your teeth and that your teeth look longer than normal, that’s a sign of gum disease.
- Persistent bad breath — When you regularly have a bad taste in your mouth, or if you often have bad breath, don’t ignore this telltale sign.
- Loose teeth — It’s never normal for your permanent teeth to feel loose, so contact our office right away if this happens.
- Bite changes — Pay attention to how your teeth fit together, and if you notice changes when you bite down or chew, it’s best to get an expert opinion.
Systemic Risk Factors to Keep in Mind
Research indicates that active gum infections are a serious threat to both your oral and overall health.
You’re at an elevated risk for any of the following if you have gum disease:
- Cardiovascular disease — Active gum disease puts you at risk for major cardiovascular events, including heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure.
- Arterial plaque buildup — When you have periodontal disease, you could experience narrowing and hardening of your arteries.
- Glycemic instability — There is a direct connection between diabetes and gum disease. The constant inflammation in your mouth increases your insulin resistance, making it more difficult to regulate your blood sugar. Whether or not you have diabetes, this can be a serious health concern.
- Pregnancy complications — The bacteria that cause gum disease can impact your unborn child, leading to low birth weight or preterm delivery.
- Dementia — The oral bacteria from gum disease could travel to your brain and contribute to Alzheimer’s disease or general cognitive decline.
- Respiratory infections — You could inhale oral bacteria into your lungs, and this can cause pneumonia or other respiratory issues.
The Holistic Solution
The good news is that with early intervention and proper treatment, you have the best chance of maintaining a healthy mouth and body.
The best way to do that is by scheduling routine preventive care every six months; when you visit us for professional cleanings, we can provide a vital defense shield for your heart and metabolic systems.
We’ll perform routine subgingival biofilm disruption to remove stubborn plaque and bacteria from below your gumline.
Your mouth is full of oral biofilm, or plaque, that sticks to your teeth, gums, and tongue, and this biofilm protects the harmful bacteria that cause gum disease and other dental issues.
So, when we remove the biofilm, you can effectively keep your mouth clean with good oral hygiene practices.
But if you need further treatment, we offer periodontal therapies that can help.
Holistic Dentistry in Tampa Palms, FL
To learn more about our holistic approach to your oral health, or if you’d like to schedule an appointment at one of our two convenient locations, we encourage you to reach out to our experienced team of experts!
At All Dental, your smile is our #1 priority, and we’ll do whatever is possible to help you achieve optimal oral health and keep your natural teeth for a lifetime.
You can contact All Dental Riverview at (813) 733-8533 and All Dental Tampa Palms at (813) 544-7023.
We’re open evenings and weekends, so you can get the care you deserve with minimal disruption to your busy life!