Gum disease and your health: Why regular dental checkups are important

New Delhi: Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is so common yet, it is often overlooked by people.

Gum disease not only has serious consequences for your oral health, but it can also be warning signs of potentially life-threatening conditions, such as diabetes, kidney disease, heart disease and stroke, preterm birth, etc.

Research also indicates that women with periodontal are three to five times more likely to give birth to a preterm baby compared to women without any form of gum disease.

 Perhaps, evaluation of several studies has shown an increased risk of oral cancer with periodontal disease or tooth loss.

Therefore, gum health is essential not just for a healthy smile but also for a healthy body.

Gum disease, or gingivitis, begins with bacterial growth in your mouth and is a result of poor dental hygiene. If left untreated, gum disease may leave you with tooth loss due to destruction of the tissue that surrounds your teeth.

Signs and symptoms of gum disease include:

• Red, swollen or bleeding gums
• gums that bleed during and after brushing
• Bad breath
• Tooth sensitivity caused by receding gums
• Receding gums
• Mobility of the tooth
• Abscessed teeth - an infection in or around the root of the tooth which may or may not be painful

If you think that you have gum disease, make sure that you see your dentist. Although proper brushing and regular flossing can help reduce and prevent gum disease, remember, regular cleaning with your dentist is the best way to remove tartar - a hardened dental plaque - and treat advanced gum disease.

Even if you don't show any symptoms, it is possible that you may still have some degree of gum disease. Hence, regular dental checkups are important as your dentist can detect any potential problems that you may not even be aware of.