Periodontal disease is another name for gum disease, and it’s more common than you might think. It is an infection of the tissue surrounding your teeth. Studies suggest that over half of Americans over the age of thirty have some form of periodontal disease, due to a variety of factors including lifestyle and diet. Severity ranges from mild inflammation to conditions that can cause tooth loss. You may have heard of gingivitis, which is a milder form of gum disease. However, this can evolve into a much worse form called periodontitis, which can cause you to lose your teeth. This is a quick guide to what you need to know about periodontal disease.
Risk Factors
There are many things that lead to periodontal disease. It may have to do with your genetics that you are more susceptible, or perhaps that you are diabetic. Diabetes and periodontal disease are highly correlated. Pregnancy is also correlated with the illness. Other factors like smoking, tobacco use, and certain medications contribute to the development of periodontal disease. However, the largest determinant is poor oral hygiene.
Symptoms
Symptoms of periodontal disease include things like gums that bleed easily, habitually bad breath, noticeable recession of gums from the tooth, teeth that are loose, and red, swollen, or tearing gums. If you notice any of these symptoms in your gums, make sure to consult a dentist as soon as possible. These can get much worse more rapidly than you’d think. Unfortunately, it is possible to have gum disease without any of the warning signs, so regular trips to the dentist are a good preventative measure so that professionals can spot the more subtle indications of the disease.
Treatments
Treatment depends on the severity of the disease, and can range from being as simple as a few cleanings at the dentist along with better oral hygiene, to medications, even surgical options should it be bad enough. In any case, the best course of action is to consult a dentist at the first sign of symptoms.
Periodontal disease is a real threat that affects millions of Americans. Don’t fall victim to a disease you can prevent. Good oral hygiene and regular trips to dentists like the ones here at Chicago Smile Design are your best bets for preventing or at least catching the early stages of gum disease.
