Caring for your teeth with regular brushing, flossing, and dental cleanings will help prevent gum disease. But, if it develops, dentists who practice periodontics treat it. The condition, also known as periodontal disease, poses risks to your overall health; below is a brief guide to these and how to prevent them.

3 Issues Periodontal Help Prevent & Treat 

1. Pregnancy Gingivitis

When a woman is pregnant, changes in her hormones occur that can increase her risk of developing pregnancy gingivitis. Some studies indicate this condition may be linked to possible premature birth. Mothers-to-be should see their dentists for preventive dental care to protect themselves and their unborn babies from these and other health risks, including gestational diabetes.

2. Heart & Blood Vessel Diseases

Doctors have often linked gum disease to health risks that threaten the heart and blood vessels or cardiovascular disease. Though studies are still ongoing, research points to a correlation between the oral condition and greater thickness of blood vessels. Decrease the odds of these issues by brushing twice daily, flossing, scheduling regular checkups with the dentist, and maintaining a healthy diet.

3. Diabetes

The term diabetes encompasses diseases that cause high blood sugar levels in the body due to poor insulin production, or the body’s inability to process it. Medical evidence confirms diabetes is a major risk factor for gum disease, and the condition increases the risk of diabetes in children and adults. With skilled preventive dental care and periodontal treatment, patients can avoid some issues that can worsen diabetes and make insulin levels harder to control.

Periodontics treats gum disease while helping prevent and control other risks to your overall health. Drs Emery & Scuro DMD, PC, in Rochester, NY, have more than 35 years of combined experience. Their thousands of hours of continued training places them among the area’s leading dental teams and earned them the OpenCare Patients’ Choice Award for best dentist. Visit them online for more information on how they can assist, or call (585) 247-7110 to make an appointment.