Attention all dental enthusiasts and health-conscious individuals! Did you know periodontal disease affects almost half of the population over 30? That’s right; it’s a widespread condition that can lead to severe consequences if left untreated. But did you also know that excessive stress, certain medications, and genetics could increase your risk of contracting this disease? Don’tDon’t worry; we’ve got you covered with five shocking yet crucial facts about the periodontal disease that will help keep your oral hygiene in check. So sit back, relax, and get ready to learn something new!
Periodontal Disease
It is estimated that half of all adults in the United States have periodontal disease, an infection of the gums and bones supporting teeth. Periodontal disease is a leading cause of tooth loss in adults. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that over 650,000 people in the United States suffer from severe periodontal disease.
While many people are aware of the more common effects of periodontal diseases, such as gum inflammation and bleeding, other lesser-known consequences are associated with this condition. Here are five surprising facts you may not know about periodontal disease:
1. Periodontal disease has been linked to an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
2. Periodontal disease has been linked to an increased risk for stroke.
3. People with periodontal disease are more likely to develop diabetes.
4. Pregnant women with periodontal disease are at an increased risk of delivering their baby prematurely or having a low birth weight baby.
5. People with periodontal disease are more likely to develop certain types of cancer, such as pancreatic and blood cancer.
What Causes Periodontal Disease?
The leading cause of periodontal disease is plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on your teeth. If plaque isn’t removed, it can harden and turn into tartar (calculus). Plaque and tartar irritate and inflame your gums. This can lead to gingivitis, an early stage of periodontal disease.
If you don’t remove plaque and tartar, they will continue to damage your gums and the bone that supports your teeth. This can eventually lead to tooth loss. Other causes of periodontal disease include:
- Smoking or using other tobacco products
- Certain medications decrease the flow of saliva, which helps protect teeth from plaque
- Crooked teeth or bad dental bridges that make it difficult to keep your teeth clean
- An ill-fitting dental appliance, such as a denture, that rubs against your gums
- A misaligned bite
- Stress
- Genetics
Symptoms of Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is when the gums and bone around the teeth become infected. Symptoms of periodontal disease include bleeding gums, bad breath, and pus from the gums. If left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss.
How to Treat and Prevent Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a serious condition that can lead to tooth loss and other health problems. The best way to treat and prevent periodontal disease is to brush and floss your teeth daily and see your dentist for regular checkups.
If you have periodontal disease, your dentist may recommend more frequent cleanings, special mouthwashes or antibiotics, or surgery to remove the diseased tissue. Periodontal disease is usually caused by plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth. Plaque can harden into tartar (calculus), which can only be removed by a dentist or dental hygienist.
Brushing and flossing help remove plaque from teeth. It would help to brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste—Floss at least once a day. Use an inter dental brush if you have spaces between your teeth. These simple steps can help prevent gum disease.
If you have risk factors for periodontal diseases, such as diabetes, you may need to see your dentist more often than people who don’t have these risk factors. Be sure to tell your dentist about any changes in your oral health so they can assess your risk for gum disease and provide the appropriate care.
Important Facts You Must Know About Periodontal Disease
Did you know periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults? And according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly half of all Americans have some form of the disease.
What is periodontal disease? Simply put, it’s an infection of the gums that can damage the bone supporting your teeth. Plaque is a sticky film of food debris, bacteria, and saliva. If plaque isn’t removed, it can harden into tartar (calculus). Tartar breeds bacteria and irritates the gums, causing gingivitis—the early stage of periodontal disease. Gingivitis causes redness, swelling, and bleeding gums—but it’s reversible with a professional cleaning and good at-home oral care.
If gingivitis isn’t treated, it can advance to periodontitis—the more serious form of periodontal disease. Periodontitis destroys the bone that supports your teeth and results in painful chewing problems and even tooth loss. According to the CDC, as many as 30% of adults have periodontitis.
The Bottom Line
Knowing the facts about periodontal disease is important to ensure you take good care of your teeth and gums. It can be easy to neglect our oral health, but with just a few simple steps, we can make sure that our mouths stay healthy. From eating right to brushing twice daily, protecting yourself from periodontal disease is within reach. Hopefully, this article has provided additional insight into the importance of caring for your teeth and mouth, so you don’t have to worry about developing periodontal diseases in the future.
FAQs
1. What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is a serious gum infection that damages the soft tissue and bone supporting your teeth. Periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss.
2. What are the symptoms of periodontal disease?
Symptoms of periodontal disease include red, swollen, and bleeding gums; receding gums; and bad breath.
3. What causes periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is caused by plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth. Plaque leads to inflammation, damaging your gums and the bones that support your teeth.