Do you know that gum disease and not tooth decay is the major cause of tooth loss among adults? Periodontal or gum disease is caused by bacterial infections that attack the tissues and the supporting bone that hold your teeth. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, an estimated 80 percent of American adults have some form of periodontal disease. Often painless, people who have gum disease are not even aware that they already have it.
What are the symptoms of periodontal disease?
If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should visit your periodontist for a periodontal evaluation.
- Gums that bleed easily when brushing or flossing
- Swollen and tender gums
- Persistent bad breath
- Pus between the teeth and gums
- Mouth sores that don’t heal after two weeks
- Change in the way your teeth fit together
There are different forms of periodontal diseases. It could be a simple case like gingivitis wherein the gums bleed easily, red and swollen. Gingivitis is usually caused by poor dental hygiene. Further, untreated gingivitis can progress to periodontitis. In this case, the plaque advances below the gumline allowing the bacteria to irritate the gums. As the disease progresses, the gums separate from the teeth forming pockets (spaces between the gums and teeth). The more gum tissue is destroyed, the deeper the pocket becomes. The unfortunate end result of the diseased gum is tooth loss.
How can we prevent periodontal disease?
Proper brushing and flossing everyday helps remove the plaque from your teeth. Regular visits to the dentist are also important. You should have your teeth cleaned by a dental hygienist at least twice a year to remove the calculus from the spaces in between your teeth and gum lines your toothbrush and floss may have missed.
Using the right kind of dental care products is as important as regular brushing and flossing. Here are some general guidelines that work for most patients:
- Choose a soft bristled toothbrush that allows you to reach every surface of your tooth. Change brush as needed.
- Massage the gums using the rubber tip found on the end of the handle of the toothbrush.
- You may also use interproximal toothbrush and interdental cleaners to clean the plaque between the teeth. Consult with your periodontist before using these dental aids because these can injure the gums when used improperly.
To learn more about periodontal disease and treatment, visit our Ft. Lauderdale dentists at sleepdentists.com.