If you live in fear of the dentist, it is only going to make things worse. According to Libertyville Dental Associates, a small cavity gets bigger while gingivitis progresses to periodontal disease. If left untreated any oral issue will get worse.
Dental Fear and the Problems that Go With It
Dental fear, dental anxiety, or dentophobia are real and sadly affect both oral and overall health. According to research, there is a connection between oral and overall health with the link being inflammation.
Why People Suffer from Dental Fear
Dental fear usually stems from a bad experience in the past, but is also caused by family and friends reliving their own horror stories. Other reasons people may fear the dentist include claustrophobia or the fear of someone standing over you. Some people are afraid of the noises and smells while others can’t stand to deal with any kind of pain.
People suffering from extreme dental phobia may have had a negative experience in their past associated with great discomfort or pain as well.
Gum Disease is the Connection
Gum disease is the real connection between oral and overall health. Because gum disease causes inflammation from food particles and bacteria, your body works overtime.
Inflammation is the body trying to protect itself against infection. Sadly, when it concerns the mouth, the bad stuff always overtakes the good stuff if gingivitis or periodontal disease is in the picture.
What is Gum Disease?
Caused by food particles, debris and bad bacterium, gum disease has two stages. The first stage is gingivitis and the second stage is periodontal disease. Gingivitis is curable, periodontal is not, but can be controlled.
Some of the Gingivitis Symptoms Include:
- Pink or Red Gums
- Plaque and Tartar
- Irritated Gums
- Bleeding Gums
- Swollen Gums
- Bleed After Brushing and Flossing
- Gum Soreness
- Pockets between Teeth
- Pockets Filled with Pus
If you are suffering from gum disease Libertyville Dental Associates will probably recommend a deep cleaning or root scaling and planing. This helps heal your gums and in most cases will bring them back to health as long as you practice good oral hygiene.
Gum Disease and Overall Health
People who have gum disease are in the high-risk category for diabetes, stroke, heart attack, and even Alzheimer’s disease. People with these issues nearly always suffer from either gingivitis or the more serious periodontitis. Sadly, all of those problems could be avoided if the person had considered sedation dentistry.
What is Sedation Dentistry?
According to Libertyville Dental Associates, sedation dentistry is something that helps people relax. From laughing gas to pill medication and IV sedation, sedation dentistry helps people who have fear and is excellent for patients who are undergoing multiple dental procedures at the same time.
Ease Your Fears with Libertyville Dental Associates
You don’t have to live in fear, call, send a text, or schedule an appointment online with Libertyville Dental Associates today.
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