NE Philadelphia Office: 215-677-8686 Einstein Center One, Suite 211-212, 9880 Bustleton Ave., Phila. PA 19115 Map It Ambler Office: 215-643-4393 140 East Butler Ave., Ambler, PA 19002 Map It
The advantages of addressing gum (periodontal) disease early on equate to a lot more than just a more comfortable and attractive smile. A chronic disease, one which affects nearly half of all adults over age 30, gum disease signifies that your teeth’s supporting (gum) tissue is infected. Without professional dental intervention, gum disease can progress, resulting in failing teeth as well as numerous negative health and financial consequences.
We treat early-stage gum disease with laser-assisted periodontal deep cleanings, which is usually less costly than more expensive surgeries. By addressing gum disease now, you’ll help maintain a natural, healthy smile, avoid further damage and often prevent the need for more invasive, extensive and expensive procedures down the road. Keeping insidious oral bacteria at bay may also help you save money by reducing the progression of numerous other serious issues like type 2 diabetes, heart disease and the increased medical expenses these worsening conditions produce.
The Mouth Is The Gateway To Your Body
The true cost of untreated periodontal disease goes beyond damaged or missing teeth. Numerous studies point to a mouth-body connection. It’s thought that bacteria from gum disease may enter the bloodstream, worsening issues like respiratory conditions, increasing the risk for heart attack, premature births, Alzheimer’s disease and, unfortunately, much more. Addressing the bacteria from gum disease early on and maintaining vigilance is important. As just a few examples, studies show that individuals with type 2 diabetes who address gum disease can save money and improve health by improving their glycemic (blood sugar) control. People with COPD and severe periodontal disease may be more predisposed to aspirate bacteria into their lungs. And oral bacteria entering the bloodstream may contribute to clot formation which could lead to heart attacks.
Are You at Risk for Even More Serious Issues?
Regular maintenance visits with your periodontal hygienists at Pennsylvania Center for Dental Implants and Periodontics, screening by our doctors, improved at-home oral hygiene and diet can help keep your gum disease from progressing. But some factors may, unfortunately, leave you more predisposed to develop gum disease in the first place. These include:
Notice how smoking is at the top of the list? Smoking, in particular, is one of our biggest enemies when it comes to fighting gum disease. Some statistics show that heavy smokers may be up to 5x more likely to develop more severe gum disease the longer they smoke. Smoking is also one of the, if not the biggest, risk factors for developing oral cancer. Indeed, the Mouth Cancer Foundation shows us that approximately 90% of oral cancer patients are tobacco users. In addition to affecting the way your body fights infection and making you more at risk for developing a laundry list of diseases, smoking even reduces the blood supply to your gums which means they’re less likely to bleed, which is one of the easier identifications of gum disease you could miss.
Money in Your Pocket
Remember, in its earliest stage, called gingivitis, gum disease is likely reversible. Once periodontitis is diagnosed, basic oral hygiene isn’t enough. You’ll need regular, deeper cleaning to remove that bacteria (plaque). At the Pennsylvania Center for Dental Implants and Periodontics, we’ve turned damaged smiles into confident, healthy and attractive ones for thousands of patients using today’s latest periodontal procedures and/or dental implant surgical placement. But our primary goal is always to help you keep your natural teeth when possible.
If you suspect gum disease, believe that your gum disease is worsening, or are seeking the area’s best solution for teeth replacement, please call one of our two offices today for a consultation with one of our highly skilled periodontal experts. Discover how managing gum disease now is the smartest decision for your smile, your overall health, and your wallet.
“I’ve been going here for years…they make you comfortable and listen to your concerns.” –Nancy A. on Birdeye
