At Assure a Smile, we talk a lot about how important it is to keep bacteria from developing in your mouth. Bacteria is an almost inevitable result of the buildup of plaque around your teeth. If that plaque is allowed to remain on your teeth because of poor oral hygiene habits, it can inflame your gums and produce the bacteria which in turn can infect your gums with gingivitis or periodontitis.
An Invading Army of Bacteria
One such bacteria is called spirochete, an insidious and contagious bacteria which can infect the gums and other parts of the body, leading not only to gum disease but other serious conditions.
Spirochetes are like an invading army determined to conquer and colonize your entire mouth. And they are perfectly designed to do just that if you don’t build up your defenses and fight back through good oral care and hygiene.
Shaped like a corkscrew and constantly spiraling, spirochetes worm their way into your gum tissue. Once there, they go about their business of destroying that tissue and spreading themselves throughout your gums, multiplying by the millions and feasting on blood and fibrin. As they grow and spread, the soft tissue of your gums will continue to erode, and the bacteria will ultimately infect your teeth.
But spirochetes can go even further. Once they burrow all the way through your gums, they can enter your bloodstream and spread throughout your body. The inflammation they cause can increase your risk of a heart attack or stroke, among other problems.
Prevention
Unless you find the image of snake-like creatures crawling through your gums appealing, you’ll want to do everything you can to keep them at bay. You can do your part by keeping your gums healthy and happy through:
- Brushing twice daily
- Flossing often
- Rinsing regularly
- Maintaining a healthy diet
- Scheduling a dental cleaning every four to six months.
You can read more about how you can avoid gum disease here.
Assure A Smile: Miami Holistic Dentistry
At Assure A Smile in Miami, we not only treat teeth and gum problems when they arise but work to help our patients avoid them in the first place. To learn more about the importance of holistic dentistry and how to develop healthier habits for a better you, please contact us today at 305-274-0047.
