Many
adults suffer from some degree of periodontal disease which is the leading
cause of tooth loss. Being an active
bacterial infection, periodontal disease has also been linked to other health
problems such as heart disease, hypertension (high blood pressure) and certain
types of cancer.. Accordingly,
protecting and maintaining your periodontal health will allow you to enjoy not
only a healthier mouth but also a healthier body.
Periodontal
disease or periodontitis refers to a set of inflammatory diseases which affect
the gums and supporting structures such as the root surface (cementum) and the
jaw bone. In mild cases, periodontal
disease can cause inflammation of the gums while in more serious cases the
condition can cause bone loss around the teeth, eventually leading to loosening
and loss.
The
development of periodontitis begins with the presence of bacteria in the mouth. While all of our mouths contain bacteria,
lack of a proper oral hygiene routine can cause such bacteria to combine with
food debris and mucus to form a sticky substance called plaque. This bacterial substance creates toxins which
can cause bone and soft tissue damage.
When
periodontitis is in its early stages, many people may not even know that they
are suffering from the condition. That
is because it typically has very few symptoms until it has progressed to a more
significant stage. As such, it's
important to seek professional dental treatment on a regular basis before symptoms
arise. Common symptoms include swollen
and/or bleeding gums, tenderness, tooth sensitivity, loose teeth, receding gums
and bad breath.
If
you are experiencing any of the signs or symptoms above, please contact our
office immediately for a periodontal evaluation. By seeking treatment as early
as possible, you will have a greater chance of successfully controlling the
infection and restoring your oral health.
Examples of treatments include deep-cleaning to remove plaque and
bacteria,
Laser
periodontal therapy, local delivery of antibiotics, the use of antimicrobial
mouth rinses and the use of oral antibiotics.
In
addition to professional dental care, at-home care is also extremely important
when it comes to treating and preventing periodontal disease.
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