Preventing Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease (or gum disease) is the number one cause of tooth loss in adults today. It is an infection of the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth, which is caused by bacteria found in dental plaque. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, this disease may give you a higher risk of having a stroke and heart attack. There are often no symptoms and no pain until the disease becomes advanced. Swollen and bleeding gums are signs that your gums may be infected with bacteria. The early stage is called gingivitis, which affects more than 50% of the population. If gingivitis remains untreated, it can spread within your mouth and lead to advanced peridontitis. Eventually, your teeth will become loose, and they will need to be extracted. Gum disease silently affects over 50 million Americans. Take this self-assessment quiz to see if you are one of them. If you answer “yes” to 2 or more of the following questions, call our office / see a dentist promptly. 1. Do you smoke? 2. Are you pregnant? 3. Do you have diabetes? 4. Do you grind or clench your teeth? 5. Are you taking oral contraceptives? 6. Are you under a great deal of stress? 7. Do you have persistent bad breath? 8. Are your gums read or swollen? 9. Do your gums bleed when brushing and/or flossing? 10. Are your gums pulling away from your teeth or receding? 11. Do you have teeth that appear to be loosening? 12. Have you noticed a change in the way your teeth fit together? 13. Have you recently lost a tooth? 14. Is it difficult for you to chew? To prevent periodontal disease, it is imperative to take proper care of your teeth and gums. Also, the daily use of an antibacterial mouthwash helps to keep periodontal disease away. Periodontal disease is controllable, so we can work with you to manage the control and treatment of the disease!