E119: Gum Disease Explained—Causes, Symptoms & How to Protect Your Health with Dr. Mukanga

Welcome to the Get Healthy Tampa Bay Podcast with Dr. Kerry Reller! This week, I’m joined again by Dr. Valerie Mukanga, general dentist and CEO of Healing Wings Dental in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas. In this episode, we take a deep dive into gum disease, discussing what it is, why it happens, and why it matters beyond just your mouth.Dr. Mukanga explains the difference between gingivitis and periodontitis, the early signs to watch out for, and how poor technique—even if you're brushing daily—can still lead to problems. We cover proper brushing and flossing methods, the role of anti-inflammatory foods, and the connection between gum disease and systemic issues like heart health, stroke, and even sepsis.Whether you’re trying to improve your own routine or teach your kids better habits, this episode offers clear and actionable advice for a healthier smile and body.Dr. Valerie Mukanga graduated from Tulane University with a BS in Biology. She received her Doctorate of Dental Surgery at the University of Tennessee Health and Science Center. Following her graduation, she completed a General Practice Residency program at Bronx-Lebanon Hospital before moving to Texas where she has been practicing dentistry. Dr. Mukanga is the founder and CEO of Healing Wings Dental in Arlington, Texas. She helps patients attain and maintain optimal dental health and smiles. For her, dentistry is not an option- it is a mission. Dr. Mukanga has been recognized as one of the TOP Doctors by Marquis Who’s Who and as a Top General Dentist by Find a Top Doc and Top Professional by Continental Who’s Who. 00:28 – Welcome and intro with returning guest Dr. Valerie Mukanga01:47 – What gum disease actually is: gingivitis vs. periodontitis03:19 – Signs and symptoms: bleeding gums, swelling, redness06:11 – Is bleeding from flossing a sign of disease?08:41 – Brushing technique: 45-degree angle, circular motion10:32 – Flossing tips: C-shape method and interdental brushes13:48 – Anti-inflammatory foods that support gum health16:13 – How gum disease is diagnosed at the dentist19:07 – What happens next: treatments, cleanings, and medications21:49 – How gum disease affects the rest of the body27:04 – Water’s role in oral health + Valerie’s personal bedtime routineConnect with Dr. MukangaWebsite: www.healingwingsdental.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/healingwingsdental/Instagram: https://instagram.com/healingwingsdentalYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.valeriemukangaEmail: [email protected] with Dr. Kerry RellerPodcast website: https://gethealthytbpodcast.buzzsprou... My linktree: linktr.ee/kerryrellermdLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerryrellermd/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ClearwaterFamilyMedicineInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/clearwaterfamilymedicine/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kerryrellermdClearwater Family Medicine and Allergy website: https://sites.google.com/view/clearwa...Podcast: https://gethealthytbpodcast.buzzsprou...Subscribe to the Get Healthy Tampa Bay Podcast on Apple podcasts, Spotify, Amazon music, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, Pandora.