Gum Disease may be a sign of systemic inflammation
Unlike acute inflammation (your body’s defense against illness or injury) chronic inflammation simultaneously heals and destroys tissue. It’s what happens when the immune system doesn’t know when to stop, and often leads to such diseases as heart disease, cancer, stroke, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and gum disease.
Dentally speaking, chronic inflammation can manifest itself as periodontal disease. Initial warning signs include swollen, bleeding, or tender gums. If poor dental health continues, patients risk eventual tooth loss. Contact us today if you have symptoms of periodontal disease.
Here’s how you may be able to reduce Chronic Inflammation:
- Include more fresh fruits and vegetables (rich in antioxidants), as well as whole foods high in fiber and healthy fats such as nuts, olives, dark chocolate, and small fish
- Avoid sugars, refined starches, and processed foods
- Stop smoking…or don’t start
- Control your blood pressure
- Ask your MD about medication or supplements
- Reduce stress by scheduling time for hobbies, relaxation, meditation, or prayer
- Lose weight
- Exercise regularly
- Brush and floss twice each day
- Treat gum disease in its early stage
Periodontal disease can indicate the presence of chronic inflammation, so seek treatment in its early stages… We’re here to help!
Dr. Angela Burns moved to Austin 10 years ago and instantly fell in love with our beautiful city. Dr. Burns is originally from the Texarkana area. She attended Texas A&M for her undergraduate degree and The University of Tennessee Health Science Center for her degree in dental surgery (DDS). Dr. Burns is committed to providing her patients with gentle, technologically advanced dental treatment. She attends an average of 60 hours of continuing education every year. She is a member of the American Dental Association, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the Texas Dental Association, and the Capital Area Dental Society. Dr. Burns and her husband, Gary, have an 11-year-old daughter, Sydney, who is a proud 6th grader at Hill Country Middle School. She is also very involved in the Eanes PTO, her church, and loves raising her family in the Westlake community. “Growing up, I was drawn to mediating and helping others feel more included and less anxious. I was a camp counselor, student government officer and being the oldest of five, I was the family mediator. I found that I had a calling to help alleviate stressful situations for others and realized that being a good listener was something that was key to this. These skills really helped guide me into becoming a dentist that has based my practice on relationships, empathy and a sense of comfort. I knew that I wanted to provide an atmosphere that felt like home when others walked in. Our practice is small, personal and state of the art and we hope you feel like you’re hanging out with friends when you are here!” When she is not practicing dentistry, Dr. Burns enjoys traveling, hiking the greenbelt, enjoying Austin’s music scene, and eating Amy’s Ice Cream.
