Bleeding and tender gums are symptoms of a condition that could lead to a heart attack or other serious health issues.
According to Dana Rockey, DMD, a wellness-based dentist based in Newport Beach, “Bleeding gums is not a localized problem and is not normal – it’s a sign of disease. Bleeding gums and gum tenderness means that there is a bacterial infection, which many people take for granted.”
As healthcare providers, we play an important role in educating our patients. Rockey explains that most patients are unaware that bleeding and tender gums are symptoms of a periodontal problem. He says, “If patients are getting gum pocket measurements of 4 mm or higher and are experiencing bleeding, we should be recommending periodontal treatment.”
The real issue is that bleeding gums reflect a bacterial problem. Bacteria travel everywhere, from the mouth throughout the body, affecting the health of our artery system, brain, heart, and other organs. Rather than simply performing procedures in response to dental conditions, Dr. Rockey takes a whole-body, wellness approach to dental care and the treatment of his patients.
According to an article that was highlighted at a recent American Academy of Oral Systemic Health conference, medical researchers believe that they are on the verge of proving that half of all heart attacks may be related to periodontal disease. These findings should be a relief in that there are answers to the question of how oral health impacts our overall health.
Because oral bacteria and subsequent inflammation have been linked to many other conditions such as cancer, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease and preterm labor, Rockey offers oral and systemic diagnostic services that allow patients to proactively screen and monitor their health in progressive ways that have not been available until now.
Rockey says, “There is good news. We (dentists) can fix this. The treatment for periodontal disease is relatively straightforward. Our staff is highly trained in the most progressive periodontal treatments and procedures. I came to Newport Beach with a focus to achieve the highest standard of care for the benefit of our patients, and that’s exactly what we’re doing”.
About Dr. Dana Rockey DMD:
Dr. Dana Rockey is leading a wellness approach to dentistry in Newport Beach. For more than three decades Dr. Rockey has served the most discerning dental patients, who have ranged from business CEOs, Hollywood’s elite to young professionals and family members. His passion is for helping people live healthy lifestyles. Dana Rockey DMD’s focus is on dental health and wellness, not simply treating conditions. When caring for patient’s dental needs, Dr. Rockey’s team takes patient’s total health into consideration. Dr. Rockey knows from experience that wellness-based dentistry simply makes sense in the overall well-being and health of his patients.
The original article can be found at http://www.danarockey.com/this-common-oral-health-misconception-directly-impacts-your-overall-health/