Did you know that every year there are over 3 million new cases of gum disease? Gum disease is an extremely common problem among adults in the United States, and one of the most prevalent oral health issues dealt with today.

If gum disease is left untreated, you are at a higher risk for heart disease, stroke, lung disease, and more. That’s why it’s so important to catch it as early as possible because the extent of damage caused by the disease is directly related to how long it remains untreated. 

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed below, contact our office today to schedule a consultation immediately with our doctor. 

1. Related Health Issues: Conditions that can be linked to periodontal disease include heart disease, stroke, lung disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, and more. It is possible you could be experiencing untreated periodontal issues if you are suffering from any of these conditions.

2. Persistent Bleeding: A common sign of periodontal infection is if you experience regular, unexplained bleeding while brushing, flossing, or eating. 

3. Recession of Gums: If you are experiencing receding gums, this may be from bacteria infecting your gums. If this bacteria reaches your jawbone, it can lead to greater infection and the eventual loss of teeth.

4. Long-Term Bad Breath: If you find yourself brushing your teeth and still experiencing bad breath, it may be from an untreated infection or gum disease. 

5. Inflamed or Sensitive Gums: Swollen, infamed, irritated, or sensitive gums could be a sign of an infection under the surface of your gums. 

6. If You’ve Never Visited a Periodontist: According to the CDC, nearly half of adults over 30 years old suffer from some degree of gum disease. Very few realize the benefits of visiting a periodontist. Your best way to prevent developing periodontal disease is to develop an oral healthcare routine including brushing twice a day, flossing regularly, dental cleanings twice a year, and regular periodontal exams. 

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of periodontal disease listed above, you could be at risk or may already be infected without knowing.  Contact our periodontal office in Alexandria, VA today to schedule an examination with our doctor. We will recommend a plan of action focused on protecting your oral health. 

When we think of vaping, we often think of it as a safer option to smoking cigarettes. Unfortunately, recent studies suggest that e-cigarette vapors could have a damaging effect on your mouth.

Ingredients in E-Juice

Electronic cigarettes are not regulated in the same way that other tobacco products are,  meaning that there is little knowledge of the exact ingredients. There are a number of harmful substances found in E-juice including nicotine, glycerin, chemical flavoring, propylene glycol, and more.

Some of these ingredients can be proven safe in things like artificial flavoring in foods, but the effects they can have when heated, turned into a vapor and then inhaled, have not been researched fully. 

Vaping and Oral Health

According to a recent study done from UCLA, vapors from an e-cigarette can kill the cells in your oral cavity which is the area of your mouth even beyond your teeth and gums. There was an experiment conducted where e-cigarette smoke was placed with oral cells in an environment for 24 hours, and 85% of the exposed cells died.

As these cells die, or become less effective, your mouth can become more likely to develop oral diseases. What is worrying about this is that these oral cavity cells function as an important part of your body’s natural defense system.

According to another study run by the University of Rochester Medical Center, it was concluded 

that e-cigarettes can be equally as bad for your gums as regular tobacco products. A known factor contributing to gum disease is nicotine which is found in all types of cigarettes.

What Steps Can You Take?

It is best to avoid smoking regular cigarettes and e-cigarettes, because they have both been shown to cause similar oral health problems. By using these products you are putting yourself at risk by negatively impacting the cells in your mouth that your body uses to defend itself against dangerous bacteria. 

If you are a smoker of any type, make sure you are regularly visiting our office. Our experienced dental team will give you a complete oral exam and check for signs of oral diseases, including cancer. 

Contact our periodontal office in Alexandria, VA today for more healthy mouth tips and to schedule your next visit.