
Inflammation Heals
Yes, there are instances when inflammation is a good thing. Although it doesn’t usually feel good, it’s important because it lets you know when something is wrong. When you get injured, inflammation occurs as an automatic response to the injury. When you exercise, the body experiences tiny injuries throughout the muscles – that’s what causes your body to feel sore the next day. Inflammation is the body’s response to start repairing and rebuilding muscles. Inflammation is essential for healing.
When the body experiences an injury of some sort, inflammation attracts immune system cells from the blood which concentrate to the injury area where they swell and turn red. You might even notice the localized heat in the area which occurs from increased cellular and chemical activity. The cells that travel to the inflamed area attack the damaged cells and invading elements while releasing chemical compounds to begin the healing process such as new skin and blood vessels.
Inflammation also increases protein-rich fluids which are responsible for helping the body repair itself.
Signs of Inflammation
- Heat
- Pain
- Redness
- Swellin
- Loss of Function
Inflammation Fights Infection
Not All Inflammation is Good
Now, not all inflammation is good. Gum disease has been linked to chronic inflammatory illnesses, including cardiovascular diseases, arthritis, and diabetes. So it makes sense that treating inflammation may help you to manage your oral health…and that maintaining your oral health will help your overall health. Consider this:
- Gum disease is called the sixth complication of diabetes.
- Diabetics are more likely to have gum disease.
- Diabetics have more difficulty controlling blood sugar if they have gum disease, which increases the risk of complications.
Gum disease can appear silently without any symptoms so regular checkups are important for everyone. If it’s been a while since you’ve had a thorough dental exam, or if you have been diagnosed with an inflammatory condition such as heart disease, arthritis, or diabetes, make sure you book an appointment at StarImage Dentistry to receive gum disease treatment as soon as possible. Without treatment, the inflammation can lead to serious health consequences.
Schedule an appointment at StarImage Dentistry in Wichita Falls, TX for gum disease treatment or preventive dentistry today by calling 940-322-2252.