If you have been told you have periodontal disease (gum disease), you're not alone. An estimated 80 percent of American adults currently have some form of the disease! Periodontal diseases range from simple gum inflammation to serious disease that results in major damage to the soft tisue and bone that support the teeth. In the most severe cases, teeth may be lost.
Research is now also pointing to other health effects of periodontal disease that go well beyond your mouth. We want to inform you about some interesting facts and ways to treat the disease.
What is Periodontal Disease?
"Perio" means around, and "dontal" refers to teeth. Periodontal disease is an infection of the structures around the teeth, including the gums and bones that support the teeth. The earliest stage of periodontal disease is gingivitis- an infection and inflammation of the gums. As the disease becomes more severe, all of the tissues become involved, including the bone. The bacteria that live and reproduce on the teeth are what continue to fuel the progression of the disease.
Symptoms of Periodontal Disease
Symptoms may include the following:
* redness and bleeding of the gums while brushing or using floss
* halitosis or bad breath
* recession of the gums resulting in apparent lengthening of the teeth
* "pockets" of bone loss between the teeth and gums indicating that the supporting bone is dissolving away
*eventual loosening of teeth
Gum inflammation and bone destruction can be for the most part painless, and therefore people wrongly assume that painless bleeding after brushing and flossing is insignificant, although this may be a symptom of progressing periodontitis. Unfortunately many people think it is normal for their gums to bleed when they brush or floss.
Periodontal Disease Affects Your Health
Periodontal disease is a progressive infection of the mouth. Bacteria and inflammatory particles can enter the bloodstream through bleeding and ulcerated gums and travel to the heart and other organs. In recent years, gum disease has been linked to a number of health problems. Reasearchers are studying possible connections between gum disease and:
* Heart disease- Gum disease may worsen existing heart disease or increase the risk of heart disease.
* Stroke- Gum disease may increase the risk of stroke caused by blocked arteries.
* Diabetes- People with diabetes and periodontal disease may have a harder time controlling their blood sugar than those with healthy gums.
Combating Periodontal Disease
* To help combat periodontal disease, see your dentist regularly for a professional cleaning and check-up.
* Brush and floss at least twice daily. Take your time and do it right!
* Use an anti-bacterial mouthwash. Daily use helps to disinfect the teeth and gums and reduce the number of bacteria in the mouth.
* STRAIGHTEN YOUR TEETH!! Crowded teeth are nearly impossible to keep clean. Orthodontic treatment can greatly reduce inflammation and periodontal disease. Please contact our office at 440-734-1146 to scedule a free exam and learn more about adult treatment and the available options, or visit us a http://www.bracesbysouris.com/.
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