Dr. Kami Hoss

medicinenet.com A person’s periodontal health says a lot about their overall health and wellbeing. Evidence shows us gum disease can become a catalyst for other conditions to arise and adversely impact one’s body. The role gum disease plays in the severity of COVID-19 when contracted is the most recent cause for alarm. In this blog post, Dr. Kami Hoss shares various reasons it is vital to watch for the signs of gum disease.     For individuals battling cancer, periodontal disease may be one of the most common harmful effects of cancer treatments. Experts have linked cancer to inflammation and inflammation to periodontal disease. People undergoing cancer treatment have reported adverse side effects, including oral mucositis, xerostomia, and osteoradionecrosis. Some of these treatments destroy healthy cells in the oral cavity. Cancer patients are encouraged to receive appropriate dental diagnosis and treatment to prevent periodontal disease before starting their first cancer...

Image source: diabetes.co.uk Gingivitis is the primary phase of gum disease caused by plaque and bacteria formed in the mouth. A condition preventable by daily brushing and flossing, the plaque buildup develops toxins that irritate the gum tissue. If left untreated, gingivitis carries the potential to become periodontitis that may cause lasting damage to the teeth and jaw. The two types of gingivitis are dental plaque-induced gingival disease and non-plaque induced gingival lesions, explains Kami Hoss, DDS. When one fails to remove the bacteria and plaque appropriately, it can turn into tartar or calculus at the base of the tooth by the gums. A yellow-like substance, calculus can only be removed by a dentist. Tartar and plaque cause inflammation and bleeding in the gums. While mild instances of gingivitis can go unnoticed, the usual signs and symptoms include tender gums that cause pain when touched, bright red to purple gums, bleeding from gums when flossing and brushing, bad br...