Periodontal Disease: 5 Essential Facts You Should Know

What do you need to know about Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease is a very common oral problem faced by almost 75% of the world’s population in varying degrees of severity. Most of the forms of periodontal disease are easily preventable with appropriate oral hygiene measures.

1. Do Not Ignore Bleeding Gums When Brushing!

The earliest sign of periodontal disease is swollen gums with bleeding while brushing. Soft food deposits that are not brushed out accumulate around the teeth and within the gums to cause irritation and swelling. Swollen gums bleed easily from the bristles of a toothbrush while brushing.

2. Periodontal Disease Can Lead to Tooth Loss

Weak and swollen gums are the initial signs of bone loss. Once the gums get weakened, the underlying bone starts to disintegrate, thereby causing loose teeth due to inadequate support. If left untreated, you may lose even a healthy tooth that doesn’t have any decay to periodontal disease.

3. Most Cases of Bad Breath are Related to Periodontal Disease

Bad breath can have serious effects on one’s self-confidence and social interactions. Periodontal disease has been reported as one of the most common causes of bad breath. Accumulation of food deposits and their further hardening causes the formation of tartar. This tartar irritates the surrounding gums and initiates the destructive stages of periodontal disease. The bacteria that causes bad breath thrives comfortably on teeth covered with tartar. A good oral hygiene regimen and periodontal treatments can reverse these issues and help eliminate many cases of bad breath.

4. Periodontal Disease May Be Related To Various Systemic Diseases

According to recent studies, periodontal disease has shown a close association with systemic diseases like diabetes mellitus, Alzheimer’s disease, or cardiovascular disorders. While having a healthy mouth certainly no guarantee of good health the early detection and prevention of periodontal disease will definitely give your body the best chance to maintain good health.

5. Periodontal Disease Can Be Reversed and Prevented!

Periodontal disease is a serious condition, but it can be treated with appropriate curative measures like scaling and root planing. With the help of routine dental check-ups, the disease can be diagnosed and treated at its initial stages, preventing excessive damage to both gums and teeth.

Regular Preventative Dentistry check-ups, at least twice a year, can help prevent Periodontal Disease from occurring. Together with your dentist, you can determine whether your oral hygiene practices are adequate enough to keep your gums and teeth healthy, and can catch any signs of trouble before they become larger issues.

Is it time for a dental checkup for you and your family? Make an appointment by calling Dr. VanderMolen at Advanced Dental Care of Springfield today at (217) 546-3333. 

Click here for more information on the general dentistry services available at Advanced Dental Care. Let us help you get on track to a healthy smile today!