Keeping up with the latest news about dental problems like periodontal disease is probably not high on your list of priorities. You’ve got too many other things to think about, and that’s why you have a dentist, right?
At Deep River Dentistry, we hear a lot about the impact that periodontal disease can have on our patients’ oral health. Even though you understand that periodontal disease is certainly not a good thing, you may not be aware of all the ways in which it can adversely affect your general health.
Statistics can be pretty boring, but here’s where we need you to pay attention - periodontal disease is the most common cause of tooth loss, and the Centers for Disease Control estimate that nearly half of adults over 30 suffer from some extent of the disease. The fact that the CDC is even involved in this discussion is overwhelming proof that gum disease is a pretty serious problem.
We believe that these statistics are so high because most people are just not aware of the effect the disease can have on their oral health and overall wellbeing. So let’s get on with the “what’s, why’s, and how’s” of this very serious oral health problem.
What is periodontal disease?
All day long bacteria develop on the surface of your teeth and near the gum line. No matter what you eat and drink, a sticky film called plaque develops. Plaque is a film of bacteria that coats your tooth enamel. Regular brushing and flossing is important because it helps to remove some of this buildup.
But even the most conscientious at-home oral hygiene alone simply cannot eliminate plaque completely. This is why we are so adamant about oral hygiene and routine professional cleanings.
Why is it important to treat periodontal disease?
If you have periodontal disease, it is extremely important to have it treated as soon as possible. You may already be aware that periodontal disease can lead to serious oral health complications like tooth decay and potential tooth loss.
But you may not know that the researchers who research these types of things have found that there’s a definite link between the presence of periodontal disease and other chronic conditions such as heart disease, respiratory disease, pregnancy complications, and diabetes.
In this case, it’s true that you are what you eat. Or more appropriately, the health of your mouth can have a dramatic impact on the health of your body.
How do I know if I have periodontal disease?
Some of the most common symptoms of periodontal disease are:
- Swollen, red or inflamed gums
- Bleeding gums while brushing or flossing
- Bad breath or a bad taste even after using mouthwash or brushing your teeth
- A change in the way your teeth fit together when biting down
- A feeling that your teeth are coming loose
- Receding gum tissue makes your teeth appear longer
However, just to make things a little more interesting, you may already have periodontal disease and not be aware of it. The best way to prevent gum disease from developing in the first place is by scheduling regular exams and professional cleanings with at Deep River Dentistry. So here we are, back to the importance of regular professional cleanings. Are you beginning to detect a trend here?
If you’re already proactive with oral hygiene and routine dental cleanings, we applaud you. If not, please give us a call to arrange an appointment. The choice is clear - protect your oral health now, or deal with serious complications later. In dentistry, this is what we refer to as a no-brainer.