Beyond the Gums: How Periodontal Health Impacts Your Entire Body

By Michael B. Rogers, DDS

Fairlington Dental

. http://www.fairlingtondental.com/

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Beyond the Gums: How Periodontal Health Impacts Your Entire Body

A Healthy Mouth for a Healthy Body

Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is more than an oral health issue—it’s a chronic inflammatory condition that affects your overall health. At Fairlington Dental, we take a comprehensive approach to periodontal care because managing your gums helps protect more than just your smile—it safeguards your entire well-being.

What Is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease starts as gingivitis—red, swollen gums that bleed easily—and can progress to periodontitis, where bone and tooth support structures are damaged. If left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss and contribute to systemic inflammation.

Common Symptoms:

• Bleeding gums
  
• Red, swollen, or tender gums
  
• Persistent bad breath
  
• Receding gums
  
• Loose or shifting teeth
  

The Link Between Gum Health and Overall Health

Periodontal disease is linked to serious health conditions:

• Nearly 50% of adults over 30 have some form of gum disease.
  
• Gum disease doubles the risk of diabetes.
  
• It increases the risk of heart disease by 20%.
  
• Treating gum disease can improve blood sugar control in diabetic patients.
  

At Fairlington Dental, we manage gum inflammation to help reduce your risk of broader health complications.

Proactive Oral Health Assessment

We use our Healthy Mouth Baseline to evaluate your gum health, tooth stability, and bite alignment. We also offer saliva testing powered by Bristle, analyzing over 700 bacteria and fungi to assess your oral microbiome and guide personalized treatments.

Advanced, Minimally Invasive Periodontal Care

We offer cutting-edge therapies to treat and prevent gum disease with comfort and precision:

• Scaling & Root Planing: Deep cleaning to remove plaque and tartar below the gumline.
  
• Laser Treatments: Targets diseased tissue, reducing bacteria and promoting faster healing.
  
• Oral Microbiome Management: Balances beneficial bacteria for long-term gum health.
  
• Oral DNA Testing: Identifies harmful bacteria to customize treatment plans.
  

Your Whole-Body Health Starts Here

At Fairlington Dental, we treat the whole person—not just the symptoms. If you’re experiencing gum disease signs or want a proactive approach to your health, we’re here to help.

Take the First Step—Book Your Appointment Today!