Gum Disease in Costa Mesa, Newport Beach

Need another good reason to make your next dental appointment?

Dr. Rolfes, Do, and Dunne, can inform you what your gums say about your health. May Cause Stroke & Heart Attack

Dental plaque (bacteria that live on the tooth and between the gums and the tooth) may arise from poor dental habits. If you're susceptible that plaque (which is an infection), part of fighting off the infection is an inflammatory response. People with gum disease (inflammation of the gums, or gingivitis) are more prone to have strokes and heart attacks. There is also emerging evidence that a lot of inflammation in the vessels to the brain can make you more prone to a stroke and a lot of inflammation in the vessels to the heart can make you more prone to a heart attack. Pregnancy Puts Your Gums at Risk.

Women who are pregnant often get pregnancy gingivitis, where the gums are more red, more inflamed and bleed more. Gingivitis that gets worse during pregnancy has been linked to preterm birth.

Gum Disease Can Worsen Diabetes

If you're diabetic with chronic gum disease, improving your gum disease will get your diabetes much more under control. In fact, there's an appearance of the gums that's associated with diabetes that your dentist might notice and ask you to get checked out by your physician. How To Keep Your Gums Healthy

So how do you care for your gums to prevent gum disease before it starts?

• brush 2-3 times a day for 2-3 minutes with a soft toothbrush and an anti-plaque toothpaste
• aim to floss once a day, and rinse twice a day with a good mouthwash to beat gingivitis
• see your dentist twice a year for a cleaning and to look for cavities, and to catch oral cancer (which is more common in smokers and drinkers) You'll thank us for your whiter, healthier smile!

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