Taking care of your teeth and gums is important if you want to maintain good oral health, avoid cavities and prevent periodontal disease. Studies have concluded that your overall general health may also be affected by the way you take care of your mouth.

Gum disease for instance starts out as a simple case of gingivitis. Gingivitis is caused by not brushing and flossing your teeth on a regular basis but it can be treated with a visit to your dentist for a professional cleaning to be followed up by adhering to a proper regimen of home care.

If gingivitis is left untreated however, it can be a whole other matter. The plaque buildup that caused the gingivitis can quickly advance the disease to the more serious stage of periodontitis. At this point the gums become infected and the infection can easily spread to other parts of your body. Researchers have found that the infection from periodontitis may contribute to a vulnerability for heart disease or stroke. People with diabetes should be especially careful to take precautions against gum disease as the infection could have an affect on their ability to control blood sugar levels.

The American Dental Association believes so firmly in the benefits of antibacterial toothpastes in the maintenance of good oral health that it has placed its seal of acceptance on these products. Look on the label to find the ADA approval and be sure to see your dentist every six months for routine checkups.

Rippe Dental Associates in Centennial, CO can formulate a plan for the continuing good oral health of every family member. Call the office @ 303-779-9876.