What You Need to Know About Gum Disease
One of the most common disorders you’ll come across when reading about dentistry is “gum disease.” Have you ever really stopped to ponder exactly what gum disease is? Knowing the basics of periodontal disease will help you in wrapping your head around a lot of what dentists do, and it should also help you know better how to keep your oral cavity fresh. Here’s a quick breakdown on everything you need to know about gum disease: -Gum disease is a bacterial infection of the gums where acids have overstayed their welcome in the mouth and grown under the gum line, forming sacks of decay between your pearly whites and gums. -Though it’s still harmful, the damage from the first phase of gum disease (gingivitis) is typically reversible by treatment from your dentist. -The second stage of gum disease normally causes permanent harm to the teeth, bones and gums, and when left unchecked, it can advance to progressive periodontitis or chronic periodontitis. -The early phases of periodontal disease show signs in the form of red, bloody, painful and/or swollen gums. -The people most at risk for forming periodontal disease are those older than 70, men and those with dry mouth. -You can greatly diminish your risk of contracting gum disease by following good dental hygiene habits. Brush your teeth twice per day, floss once daily and visit our office for cleanings every six months. We hope this post has been enlightening for you. To schedule your next cleaning with Dr. Latino, contact our Chad Latino DDS office in Waco, Texas. We’ll help you understand everything you need to know about gum disease, through our preventive dentistry and gum care services.
Your Long-Term Oral Health Can Be Threatened by Periodontal Disease
Every year, periodontal disease threatens the oral health and quality of life of millions of Americans. The Centers for Disease Control also report that 64 percent of people 65 and over have been diagnosed with moderate-to-severe periodontal disease. At the same time, the American Dental Association estimates approximately 47 percent of people age 30 and older have some form of periodontal disease afflicting the health of their gum tissues. Periodontal disease is primarily caused when poor oral hygiene allows tartar to harden at the gumline. The constant bacterial presence leads to the inflammation and infection of the gum tissues known as gingivitis. Common symptoms often include red or inflamed gums. This usually includes increased bleeding during regular brushing and flossing. Many people experiencing gingivitis symptoms also complain of issues with chronic bad breath. Without timely treatment, gingivitis can develop into the more dangerous form of periodontal disease known as periodontitis. This level of infection can make your gums slowly recede from the base of your teeth, forming small pockets of bacterial infection near the roots of your teeth. In time, this can also result in the loss of bone structure, which can result in the loss of an otherwise healthy tooth. At the same time, continuing research has also found that the systemic inflammation of periodontal disease can also have an impact on other medical conditions. This can increase complications with diabetes, heart disease and stroke. While periodontal disease doesn’t cause these issues, it does seem to limit treatment options and can lead to further complications. If you are concerned that you might be developing periodontal disease in [city], [state], you should call [phone] to schedule an appointment at [practice_name].
