The Facts About Periodontal Disease
If you have noticed a bit of redness around your gums or you have experienced bleeding of the gums, you may be suffering from periodontal disease. While many people think that this is rather normal, the truth of the matter is that periodontal disease can be very serious and lead to tooth loss without proper attention.
Gum disease begins as a mild inflammation of the gums and is known as gingivitis. This condition can be prevented through regular brushing and flossing in order to remove plaque and prevent the development of tartar. Once the infection becomes more serious, it becomes known as periodontitis. Along with resulting in diseased gums, periodontitis can also lead to tooth loss and put the bone structures that support your teeth at risk. Some studies have also shown that periodontitis can be associated with stroke, heart disease, and infections of the entire body. Women who suffer from gum disease either before or during their pregnancies may also be at a higher risk for premature births.
Causes of Periodontal Disease
The causes of periodontal disease can be multiple and varied. One of the most common causes of gum disease is poor dental hygiene. If you do not brush your teeth and floss on a regular basis, it can result in the build-up of tartar and plaque. Over time, this can cause your gum tissue to become unhealthy.
Along with putting you at risk for lung disease, smoking can also put your gums at risk for disease by decreasing the delivery of oxygen to your gum tissues. This can make it much easier for a bacterial invasion of the gums to occur.
Chronic medical conditions, such as diabetes, may also result in an increased risk of infections as well as slow healing of the gums.
Signs and Symptoms
Learning to recognize the signs and symptoms of gum disease is crucial to receiving early treatment and putting a stop to periodontal disease before it leads to tooth loss. Signs of gum disease may include:
- Painful Gums
- Swollen Gums
- Bleeding when Brushing
- Tooth Loss in Adults
- Continual Bad Breath
Treating Periodontal Disease
While periodontal disease is quite serious, the good news is that it can be treated. One of the most important steps that you can take to prevent and treat gum disease is to brush your teeth at least twice daily. You should also floss daily to remove particles of food from between your teeth where it is difficult to reach with a toothbrush.
Maintaining good nutrition can also go a long way toward treating gum disease. Make sure you eat a healthy and varied diet that consists of plenty of fruit and vegetables. Your diet should also include ample amounts of calcium. It should be kept in mind that gum disease often does not result in symptoms right away. Therefore, it is important to make certain that you have dental checkups on a regular basis.
If you have any questions relating to periodontal disease, feel free to give Hinsdale Dental a call today at: 630-323-5200.
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