Untreated Gum Disease and Ulcers
Gum disease can be detrimental to your oral health but it impacts other areas of the body, as well. There is a strong connection between untreated periodontal disease and ulcers.
How could a stomach ulcer be connected to your mouth health?
It’s believed that the continued bacteria present in the mouth with periodontal disease can enter the bloodstream, the stomach, and even your lungs. The results can be far-reaching and could even impact your lifespan.
Dr. Mighion and his Mishawaka, Indiana dental team strive to help patients prevent gum disease. When new patients come in who haven’t had a gum assessment in some time find that there are signs of early to more advanced gum disease, a number of other health problems are often mentioned that are known as being connected to oral disease. We strive for prevention wherever possible but if you already have gum disease, protocols are followed based on how advanced the disease is as well as the presence of any other health problems.
Signs of Ulcers
If you have ongoing stomach pains, significant bouts of heartburn and / or indigestion, and / or you’ve been diagnosed, in the past, with having H. Pylori bacteria, you may have ulcers and your oral health may be linked.
If you are already getting treatment for H. Pylori bacteria and / or ulcers and have not had a gum assessment recently, it’s advantageous to mention this to your family dentist. Those being treated for ulcers with gum disease may find that they recur. And H. Pylori bacteria, if untreated, can lead to stomach cancer.
Signs of Periodontal Disease
Gingivitis doesn’t always lead to gum disease but gum disease is always preceded by bleeding gums. If you notice blood in the sink after brushing, mention it to your dentist. Bleeding gums are not the only sign of periodontitis. Gum recession, tenderness or pain in the gums and / or gum sores should also be reported to a dentist. We assess gums at regular dental examinations and we also offer periodontal maintenance for those who have been treated for gum disease in the past.
More than 80% of the population has some form of gum disease. Early intervention could stop the progression of this destructive bacteria and the earlier you get treated, the better the chances of minimally invasive non-surgical periodontal treatment options, such as the highly effective Ozone Therapy offered at our Mishawaka, Indiana dental office.
Book a Periodontal Disease Assessment in Mishawaka, IN
Beyond ulcers, gum disease is also connected to cardiovascular disease, stroke, respiratory infections, pregnancy complications, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. At Dr. George A. Mighion’s dental office, we offer leading edge preventative dentistry as well as non-surgical periodontal treatment to help you maintain good oral health, which translates to a smile filled with confidence and lowered risk of may systemic diseases. We invite you to call our office today at 574.393.8663 to talk more about gum health and if you have ulcers or H. Pylori or other systemic diseases mentioned here, please let us know in your appointment.