Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, can become a serious dental problem. Many people who are looking for a dentist are suffering from gum disease, some of them without even knowing it. Periodontal disease is very common and can affect up to 50% of the population at some point in their lives. The disease involves an infection and inflammation of the tissues that surround your teeth and is caused by plaque, the bacteria that constantly form on the teeth. These bacteria create toxins that can damage the gums.
There are different classifications of periodontal disease; the first stage is known as gingivitis and is characterized by gums that may be swollen, red, or bleed easily. At this point, the gum disease is still reversible and can usually be eliminated by brushing and flossing daily. These patients often find that with regular dental visits, they experience fewer problems with their teeth.
However, if gingivitis is left untreated, it may lead to the more serious form of gum disease called periodontitis. At this more advanced stage, the gums and bones that support the teeth can become dangerously damaged. Losing the bone structure around the teeth could cause them to become loose, fall out, or have to be removed by a dentist. It's important to visit your dentist regularly for check-ups so the dentist can monitor any changes that have occurred in your teeth, and act accordingly to fix any problems.
Gum Disease - Risk Factors and Warning Signs
There are some common risk factors of developing gum disease:
-Smoking or chewing tobacco
-Having diabetes or other systemic diseases
-Taking some medications like steroids, some anti-epilepsy drugs, and cancer therapy drugs
-Using of oral contraceptives or pregnancy
-Having defective fillings
While these factors may increase someone's risk of developing periodontal disease, the disease can still be prevented. The best defense against gum disease is visiting your dentist for regular check-ups. Because periodontal disease is often painless, people don't always know that they have it. If people take advantage of their dental plans and visit their dentist twice a year, many times gum disease can be caught at an early stage.
These warning signs could signal that periodontal disease is developing:
-Gums that bleed when you brush or floss your teeth
-Red, swollen, or tender gums
-Gums that have pulled away from the teeth
-Bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth that doesn't go away
-Loose teeth
-A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
You owe it to yourself to find a qualified dentist who is on the lookout for early signs of gum disease, can remove tartar and plaque from the teeth if necessary, and will advise patients on a course of treatment if periodontal disease is noticed.
Preventing Periodontal Disease
The most important defenses against periodontal disease are to brush twice daily, floss one a day, and above all, visit your dentist regularly. Regular check-ups are made more affordable when you purchase dental plans, and experienced dentists are able to catch any potential problems before they escalate and also offer a more thorough, professional cleaning than you can give yourself at home. Whether you are looking for a dentist, finding the right one is important and can set you on your way to have a lifetime free of dental problems like periodontal disease.
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