Periodontal Disease

SOMETHING TO SMILE ABOUT

Caring for your oral health includes regular tooth care and gum care. Neglecting your gums can eventually lead to periodontal disease, also known as gum disease. Periodontal disease affects 75% of adults over 35 years of age and is responsible for approximately 70% of all adult tooth loss. Since symptoms of periodontal disease often are unnoticeable, people never realize their mouth is under bacterial attack.

Highly recognized as a progressive disorder, periodontal disease is triggered by preventable factors like plaque build-up, tobacco use, certain medications and stress, as well as unpreventable measures like systematic disease and fluctuating hormone levels during puberty, pregnancy or menopause. Research proves up to 30% of the population may be genetically susceptible to gum disease.

Periodontal disease begins when the bacteria in the sticky film which forms on the tooth surface, or plaque, causes gum inflammation. If the irritation is ignored, plaque will release toxins breaking down the natural fibers that hold your gums to your teeth, permitting even more bacteria and toxins to invade. Plaque deposits quickly harden into calculus or tartar, which is a rough, porous substance not removable with brushing. Over time, this progression can lead to severe inflammation, bone loss, gum recession and tooth loss.

PERIODONTAL DISEASE

SYMPTOMS AND SIGNS

Red, swollen, tender or bleeding gums
Gum recession, or gums pulling away from teeth
Loose or separating teeth
Pus between the gum and tooth
Persistent bad breath
Bite changes
Change in the fit of partial dentures

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MAKE AN APPOINTMENT!

If you have noticed any of the above signs or symptoms, please make an appointment today! Together, you and your dentist can win the battle against periodontal disease and maintain your wonderful, dazzling smile: gums and all.