Gum disease is an insidious menace to your oral health that may be virtually imperceptible when it starts out, and it will eventually develop into a nasty and destructive oral infection if left untreated. Thankfully, there are a few smart habits you can adopt to make gum disease much less likely, and your dentist will be happy to address any infections that develop. Here’s a quick look at how exercise can help prevent gum disease and how your dentist can address problems like gingivitis and periodontitis.
Can Exercise Prevent Gum Disease?
The best ways to prevent gum disease are to practice excellent oral hygiene, visit your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings, and make smart eating decisions that limit your intake of sugar and acid. However, exercise can also be an excellent way to keep your cardiovascular, endocrine, and immune systems strong so your body can heal and fight gum infections more efficiently.
Regular exercise will teach your heart, lungs, and blood vessels to operate under higher levels of stress, which will strengthen them and make it easier for them to work properly at rest. This will help ensure that your gums receive the healthy blood flow they need to stay strong. Exercise will also reduce levels of stress hormones like cortisol and burn off excessive blood sugar, which can reduce inflammation that can lead to gum disease.
How Can My Dentist Treat Gum Disease?
If a person does develop gum disease, dentists offer several treatments that can kill harmful germs and help the oral tissues recover. These include:
- Improved Oral Hygiene Habits: Gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease, can usually be reversed with a better brushing and flossing regimen.
- Scaling and Root Planing: Also called a deep cleaning, this two-part process involves scaling, which means removing plaque and tartar from the teeth and along the gumline, and root planing, which means using specialized instruments to eliminate infectious material from the roots of the teeth and encourage them to reintegrate with the soft tissues.
- Antibiotic Therapy: This involves the dentist applying topical antibiotic drugs to the pockets of the gums, which can kill destructive bacteria in hard-to-reach areas.
Don’t let gum disease lead to serious oral health problems like gum recession, jawbone erosion, and tooth loss. Consulting with your dentist can help you understand how to keep your soft tissues in great shape.
About the Practice
Columbus Dental Arts offers the best oral health services in the area. Led by Drs. Molly Makos Fraser, Alex Wolf, and Alyssa Filangeri, the staff treats each patient with courtesy, respect, and outstanding customer service. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as gum disease treatments. To learn more about gum disease and how it can be treated, contact the office on the web or dial (609) 324-9500.