While it’s common knowledge that gum disease can lead to a variety of serious oral health problems – including pain, inflammation, bleeding and even tooth loss – most people aren’t aware of this common condition’s underlying implications. At Cowlitz River Dental in Castle Rock, WA, Dr. L. Blaine Kennington treats gum disease with numerous treatment modalities of periodontal therapy  that fight infection and restore oral health.

The Importance of Periodontal Therapy

When a person has gum disease, bacteria that have accumulated beneath gingival tissue can leach into the blood stream and affect other tissues throughout the body. As medical science continues to explore this systemic, mouth-body connection, more serious conditions are found to have links to untreated or poorly managed periodontal disease. Some of the health problems frequently associated with gum disease may include:

• Coronary artery disease
• Increased risk of stroke and heart attack
• Blood and/or pancreatic cancer
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Preterm, low birth weight babies in women with untreated gum disease
• Higher occurrence of dementia in patients of advanced age
• Pulmonary hypertension
• High blood pressure

Thankfully, periodontal therapy at Cowlitz River Dental can help reduce your risk of developing these and other potentially life-threatening conditions. Early detection and timely treatment are the keys to dental health and continued physical well-being.

Reclaim Your Oral Health

If you or someone in your family has noticed any of the common signs of gum disease, contact us today to schedule your appointment. We look forward to showing you how our periodontal therapy can help you achieve improved oral health and overall health as well. From our office located conveniently in Castle Rock, WA, Dr. Kennington also serves patients from throughout Kelso, Longview, Lewis County, and beyond.