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Periodontal Disease
Click the links below to learn everything you need to know about Periodontal Disease, how it is treated and its links to other health problems:
- What You Need to Know About Periodontal Disease
- How did I get Periodontal Disease?
- Types of Periodontal Disease
- Links to Other Health Problems
- How Periodontal Disease is Treated
What You Need to Know About Periodontal Disease
The word periodontal literally means "around the tooth." Periodontal (gum) diseases are serious bacterial infections that destroy the attachment fibers and supporting bone that hold your teeth in your mouth. Left untreated, these diseases can lead to tooth loss. There are numerous disease entities requiring different treatment approaches. Dental plaque is the primary cause of gum disease in genetically susceptible individuals. Daily brushing, flossing, as well as regular dental visits will prevent most periodontal conditions.
Other factors that can affect the health of your gums include:
- Smoking/Tobacco Use
- Clenching or Grinding Your Teeth
- Stress Medications
- Pregnancy
- Puberty
- Poor Nutrition
- Diabetes
- Other Systemic Disease
Why is oral hygiene so important? Because past the age of 35, adults lose more teeth to gum diseases (Periodontal diseases) than from cavities. Three out of four adults are affected at some point in their life. The best way to prevent cavities and Periodontal diseases is by good daily brushing and flossing habits.
Periodontal disease and decay are both caused by bacterial plaque. Plaque is a colorless film, which carries bacteria, that sticks to your teeth at the gumline and can eventually cause gum inflammation and infection. By thorough daily brushing and flossing you can remove these germs and help prevent periodontal disease. If not carefully removed by daily brushing and flossing, plaque hardens into a rough, porous substance known as calculus (or tartar).
Periodontal disease not only worsens the health of your teeth and gums, but may also affect your general health.
