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].
