Gum Disease Is Serious: What To Know And How To Prevent It From Even Starting

 

By Karleia Steiner 

 

Many people know about gum disease, but what they might not know is just how serious it can be. With so many news releases about diseases like cancer, high blood pressure and diabetes, many people think very little of their oral care beyond just a daily brushing. However, for many people, gum disease can threaten their life.

 

 

The Two Types of Gum Disease

There are two types of gum disease. Many are familiar with the milder form, gingivitis, what they are not familiar with is the more serious form, periodontitis.

 

 

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is caused by plaque and tarter buildup on your teeth. Plaque accumulates on your teeth naturally when you eat. If the bacteria is not removed, it can form into a harder substance known as tarter. Tarter requires professional dental care in order for it to be removed. If plaque and tarter remain on teeth, gingivitis can form. The obvious signs of this gum disease are swelling, bleeding gums, and gums that are red.

 

 

Periodontitis

Periodontitis can form if gingivitis is not treated. Though it is uncommon for people under 30 years of age to develop periodontitis, it is not impossible. The gums will recede from your teeth, leaving empty pockets. These spaces can become infected. Nashville Periodontal Group has said there is treatment for receding gums. Also, the body’s immune system will fight the infection. However, the immune system, as well as the bacterial toxins, will destroy the bone and connective tissues that hold your teeth in place. Teeth that are affected by the infection will have to be removed.

 

 

Additional Dangers

Beyond losing teeth, there have been case studies that have shown where infections were able to enter the blood stream through the open gum line. These infections can cause cardiovascular disease and even death. These studies can be found in the American Journal of Cardiology (AJC) and the Journal of Periodontology.

 

 

How to Prevent Gum Disease

The good news is that gum disease in any form can be treated and prevented. Basic steps that you can take at home include the obvious brushing. Make sure to use a quality toothpaste that dentists recommend. Make sure to visit your dentist twice a year for routine cleaning and examination. During that time, report anything new or alarming that has developed after your last visit. If you smoke, make a strong effort to quit. Smokers have an increased risk of gum disease, along with other chronic diseases.

 

If your gum disease is more aggressive, medication and/or surgery may be needed to treat it. Surgery can include flap surgery and bone grafts. The flap surgery may be required if pockets still exist after deep cleaning and medication treatments. The surgery will clean the pockets and help you and your dentist keep the area clean. Bone grafts can help repair lost bone and connective tissue.

 

If you notice any signs or symptoms of gum disease, make an extra appointment with your dentist to discuss treatment options. Early detection and prevention can greatly reduce the pain and frustration of gum disease.

 

 

Sources:

 

http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/OralHealth/Topics/GumDiseases/PeriodontalGumDisease.htm

http://www.perio.org/consumer/types-gum-disease.html

 

Categories: Gum Disease, prevent, serious

Five Common Medical Issues Which Could Have Serious Complications

 

By Emma Sturgis

 

Modern medicine has reduced the risk of death or serious consequences from a vast number of medical conditions. It is important to remember, however, that there are still several conditions which can pose a serious threat to an individual’s health, with risks as serious as death if left untreated. The following five maladies are so common that treatment is considered routine, but patients should remember to seek medical assistance if they experience any of the following, as all can lead to some dangerous complications.

 

 

Appendicitis

Almost everyone knows someone who has had an appendectomy. Appendicitis is a common childhood malady, but can occur at any point in a person’s lifetime. Appendectomies are performed when the appendix becomes inflamed and riddled with bad bacteria. While surgery to remove an inflamed appendix is routine and can alleviate any worries associate with the condition, serious consequences can result if the problem is ignored. An inflamed appendix can burst, releasing dangerous bacteria into the abdominal cavity during a condition called peritonitis. If a person does not receive rapid treatment for peritonitis, he or she will become extremely ill, and the risk of fatal complications is high.

 

 

Gum Disease

Gum disease is another common medical condition involving serious complications beyond oral health. In recent years, doctors and researchers have begun to find links between gum disease and life-threatening conditions like heart disease. While the connection is still being debated, more and more medical researchers are speaking up, suggesting that gum health is as good an indicator of heart disease as cholesterol levels, though exactly how gum health factors into heart disease is still unknown.

 

 

Type-2 Diabetes

Adult Onset Diabetes is another medical condition which, though common, is deadlier than most people realize. The number of complications arising from Type-2 are too time-consuming to innumerate, but among the worst are heart disease and the risk of stroke. People with Type-2 are also prone to serious complications like peripheral artery disease, occasionally resulting in consequences as serious as amputation. According to a Calgary optometrist from Crowfoot Vision Centre, diabetes can also affect eye health, leading to problems like glaucoma, cataracts and diabetic retinopathy. These complications are serious, and each can result in blindness.

 

Thrombosis

Deep vein thrombosis is a serious but common condition as well. This condition is essentially a blood clot in a deep vein, and the consequences can be life-threatening if not addressed quickly and thoroughly. The clot can move and become lodged in critical areas, including the lung artery, heart, and even the brain. All are serious, life-threatening conditions that can leave you debilitated, if they leave you alive.

 

 

Hyperthyroidism

A fifth common ailment that can lead to serious complications is hyperthyroidism. Caused by an overproduction of the thyroid hormone TSH, hyperthyroidism results in an overactive metabolism. While this may initially have seemingly positive results like weight loss or extra energy, the condition will begin to fatigue and break down the body. Hyperthyroidism can cause, among other things, brittle bones, congestive heart failure, and atrial fibrillation. Like the other conditions on this list, hyperthyroidism complications are potentially life threatening.

 

With the abundance of medical programs and information available to patients this day and age, most people are well-informed about the conditions listed above. Patients should not allow themselves to feel a sense of security and safety in the familiarity, however, since every one of these medical conditions can indicate or lead to serious, life-threatening conditions.

 

Categories: common, complications, medical issues, serious

What to Expect During Recovery after a Serious Injury

Recovering after a serious injury is a very frustrating time for many people. Some might feel confused by their symptoms or unsure of their doctor’s orders. While some people might feel anxious about what to expect during their recovery period, they are also likely to feel depressed by any lack of mobility they might be experiencing. While these feelings are completely normal, it helps to know what you might expect during the recovery period. There are different things you can do to ensure a smooth recovery.

 

Don’t Rush

Many people become injured all over again simply due to lack of patience. If the treating physician has recommended bed rest, then following those orders is always the best option. You should always be cautious when you are moving around so that you do not fall or re-injure yourself. Also, your doctor will probably tell you to listen to your body’s cues. If you feel like you need to rest, then rest. If the patient experiences any swelling or pain, their body is probably trying to tell them to rest.

 

Recommended Treatment

Depending on your injury, you may be recommended to have surgery. This probably sounds scary if you have never gone through a surgery before. Trust your doctors recommendations, but if you feel you need a second opinion, by all means, get a second opinion. The surgery and other recommend treatments will most likely be able to assist with the healing process. Although you may experience increased pain in the days following surgery, the treatment will help decrease chronic pain in the long run.

 

Pain Management

Patients should be advised to closely follow doctor’s orders concerning medication. It is very easy to become dependent on muscle relaxers and pain medication while recovering after a serious injury. You should also only take advised medication as recommended. If they have any side effects or if the patient is still in a great deal of pain, they should immediately alert their physician. Medication should never be discontinued without the doctor’s direct approval.

 

Ongoing Care

After the patient starts to recover from a serious injury, their doctor will recommend rehabilitation and ongoing chiropractic care. These treatments will help strengthen your body after a serious injury. Regaining strength lost during injury and the initial recovery period is crucial in long-term recovery success. At rehabilitation facilities, such as Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Centres of Ontario, patients learn and implement a variety of exercises and therapies for their injuries. These exercises are often helpful in the overall recovery after a serious injury because they can be done at home at the patient’s convenience. In addition to rehabilitation, chiropractors in Scarborough can provide long-term care to lingering discomfort. Chiropractors can perform quick manual procedures to manipulate the body and provide relief from pain, pressure and tension.

 

While recovering from a serious injury has the potential to be a highly stressful time, following doctor’s orders and knowing what to expect can be helpful. If you have any specific concerns regarding an injury, please contact your physician.

Categories: doctor, feel, Injury, Long term, Pain, recovery, recovery period, serious