Periodontal Disease and Osteoporosis
Your Gums: Linked to Bone Health and Density
Santa Barbara residents who are concerned about bone density should also be concerned about the health of their gums. Conversely, those who have signs of gum disease should also be concerned about Osteoporosis as gum disease is a sign of bone density problems.
A gum assessment is done at all checkups in our Santa Barbara dental office. Dr. Mark T. Weiser and Dr. Lance Grant both believe strongly in the mouth-body connection. If you have gum disease, you should also consider talking to your family doctor about osteoporosis as gum disease can be a sign of osteoporosis. If you have been given a diagnosis of osteoporosis, it’s wise to also have a gum assessment as the two are strongly linked. Untreated gum disease can lead to tooth loss as well as a plethora of other health problems, too.
“Weiser & Grant Dentistry believes strongly in the mouth-body connection. ”
In addition to Osteoporosis, additional systemic links include:
Heart Disease,
Stroke,
Cancer,
Diabetes,
Respiratory Infections,
Ulcers,
Pregnancy Complications
And more.
Osteoporosis Drugs and Gum Disease
“If you are over 40 you are at increased risk for osteoporosis and should take bone health as well as gum health seriously.”
To make the matter of treating gum disease and treating osteoporosis even more complex, some drugs used to treat osteoporosis have been linked to increasing the risk of gum disease as well. That’s why it’s important that whether you have gum disease symptoms or not, osteoporosis patients work closely to manage their oral health well. Regular checkups at your Santa Barbara dentist’s office can help immensely as early signs of gum disease can be dealt with swiftly and, often, non-surgically.
If you have gum pain, mouth sores, a foul taste in the mouth, bleeding gums, or if it has been a long time since you’ve had a dental checkup, consider getting a gum and oral health assessment as soon as possible. Gum disease can strike at any age but if you are over 40 you are at increased risk for osteoporosis and should take bone health as well as gum health seriously. Women who are either menopausal or post-menopausal can also notice changes in their mouths due to hormonal changes.
Gum Disease Treatments from Weiser & Grant Santa Barbara Dentistry
The team at Weiser & Grant Dentistry’s Santa Barbara dental office is well-versed in treating gingivitis and periodontitis. This dental office gets great reviews in multiple areas of general, restorative, cosmetic dentistry, and periodontal treatments.
Call Weiser & Grant Dentistry at our Santa Barbara dentist’s office today at (805) 899-3600 for an appointment to discuss treatment options for gum disease, whether you have mild, moderate, or advanced periodontitis.