You may have heard about gum disease, also known as periodontitis or periodontal disease. Maybe a dental professional or hygienist recently told you that you have this infection.
But do you really know the difference between periodontal disease and other types of complications that can affect your mouth, such as gingivitis? Do you know why it’s so important to treat periodontal disease and why brushing and flossing alone won’t do the trick?
Most importantly, did you know that periodontal disease is today’s the number cause of tooth loss among American adults? Tooth loss in fact actually is the only obvious and late indicator of gum disease.
Scientific research has discovered a linkage between gum disease and stroke, heart disease, diabetes and even an increased risk for pregnant women (low weight babies). When your gums become diseased, your entire immune system is weakened.
Periodontal (gum) disease is an infection of the gums that starts out as plaque, an opaque film on the teeth that hardens to form tartar. Poor oral hygiene is the most common cause of gum disease. As tartar accumulates, it harbors bacteria that attacks the gums. This is the early stage of gum disease known as gingivitis. If left untreated, gingivitis becomes periodontitis which ultimately destroys the tissue surrounding your teeth and the bone that holds your teeth in place. Except for bad breath (halitosis) and gums that bleed, there are very few early warning signals. The disease advances silently, often without pain, and before you know it, you are losing your teeth and you don’t know why. If you see ‘pink in the sink’ when you brush you owe it to yourself to call a dental professional until it’s too late to save your teeth and get irreversible overall health effects.
In the past, fear of painful dental surgery has kept people with gum disease from seeking the care they needed. Well, those days are over. There are plenty of options we just have to find one that fits the condition of your mouth and lifestyle.
If your gums are bleeding, even intermittently, please come see us for a consult! In our relaxing environment filled, we will make a plan with you to fit the condition of your mouth and lifestyle that you have! Schedule an appointment now!