Periodontal disease is a serious issue, one that studies for the Centers for Disease Control show impacts half of all adults. Without treatment, this could lead to serious dangers of your overall oral health, and even associated disorders such as diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease. In today’s blog, your Brighton, MA, dentists talk about the dangers of periodontal disease.
The Causes and Warning Signs
When plaque and tartar buildup accumulate on your teeth, this could irritate the tissues and cause gingivitis. Unless reversed with treatment, gingivitis could grow more severe until the tissues begin to pull away from the teeth, forming deep pockets for bacteria to enter. At this stage, gum disease forms and there is no cure, but care to manage the issue could help prevent major complications. Warning signs of gingivitis and periodontal disease include soreness, redness, and bleeding. Factors behind your buildup and inflammation could include improper brushing and flossing, infrequent dental cleanings, foods and drinks high in sugar, and the use of tobacco products.
Inflammatory Health Issues
Untreated gum disese could reach the later stage, known as periodontitis, which destroys the tissues connecting your teeth and gums, causing adult tooth loss. In fact, the disease is the number one cause of adult tooth loss! In addition, inflammation is also linked to major oral health issues, such as stroke, heart attack, heart disease, respiratory disease, and even diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease.
Prevention and Care
Care to prevent the disease, or to properly manage it, could help prevent inflammatory illnesses and tooth loss! For prevention, quit using tobacco products and cut back on sugary foods and drinks. Make sure you brush twice a day for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste, and floss every evening before bed. Every six months, you should see us for a dental cleaning, so we can remove all harmful plaque and tartar buildup. We also examine your smile to identify the earliest signs of periodontal issues, treating or even reversing them if caught early enough!
To treat the issue, we could reverse gingivitis or manage gum disease with a scaling and root planing. Also known as a deep cleaning, this procedure removes buildup from the roots and teeth. We could also discuss treatments to remove infected tissues and help manage the issue. If you have any questions about how we treat issues like periodontal disease, then contact our team today.
Do You Have Questions About Periodontal Care?
Our team is ready to help preserve the health and stability of your smile. To learn more about keeping your gums healthy and free of inflammation, then schedule a consultation by calling Brighton Family Dental Group in Brighton, MA, today at (617) 562-5210. We proudly welcome patients from Brighton, Watertown, and all surrounding communities.
