Fifty percent of adults suffer from various forms of periodontal disease, but many don’t realize it. Periodontitis can lead to tooth loss, bad breath, and bleeding or receding gums. Quality home care and regular cleanings from a dental hygienist can help prevent Periodontal disease, but if your oral health is compromised, The Tooth Doc is your source for a course of therapy to heal and restore your smile.
Even if you aren’t experiencing any pain or discomfort, you could still have Periodontal disease. If you notice any of the above symptoms, notify your dental team immediately for an evaluation.
Q: What is periodontal disease?
A: Gums affected by periodontal disease become red and inflamed, often times bleeding during brushing or flossing. If treated in a timely manner, these conditions can be reversed, preventing periodontal disease from developing. Periodontitis, however, is much more difficult to treat. Periodontitis affects your gums, bone and teeth in a manner that cannot be reversed. To prevent tooth loss, you may require more extensive, specialized treatment from your general dentist or even a periodontist. If left untreated, periodontitis results in tooth loss – teeth either fall out on their own or must be extracted. If you don’t catch periodontitis in its early stages, you may require extensive surgery to save your teeth and may put yourself at risk for other serious health problems.
According to many dental studies, “Ailments associated with periodontal disease include respiratory disease, pneumonia, strokes, ulcers, difficult-to-control diabetes, low birth weight babies, and infective endocarditis, a dangerous infection of the heart valves. Researchers recently discovered that this chronic infection in your mouth creates an open doorway for plaque bacteria to enter the blood stream. These bacteria may cause blood clots that can block your arteries or even trigger a heart attack.”
Q: My gums bleed after I brush. Is this something to be concerned about?
A: It is certainly not desirable to have bleeding gums following brushing. However, the condition may or may not require attention, depending on the source of the problem. Bleeding gums can be caused by any of the following: improper, rough ‘scrubbing’ instead of gentle, circular brushing motions; using a hard-bristled tooth brush instead of a soft one; plaque and/or tartar build-up below the gum line; or gum sensitivity due to gingivitis or periodontal disease. If this problem persists despite correct brushing and flossing methods or occurs every time you brush, contact The Tooth Doc to set up an evaluation appointment.
Q: I’ve heard that poor dental health affects my whole body. What is the connection?
A: You may not realize it, but what goes on in your mouth can affect your body overall, and vice versa. While performing an exam, your dentist might see a sign or symptom of an overall medical problem that you might not even know you have. Many diseases and conditions can affect your oral health. A weakened immune system, for example, might manifest itself orally. Likewise, medication you may be taking for other conditions also can affect the health of your mouth.
Having a vigilant dental team that understands these issues is a great way to protect your overall health. The dental team at The Tooth Doc practices comprehensive dentistry to ensure that you can live a long, healthy life.