Periodontal disease is a condition of the bone-anchored teeth. It is typically caused by improper brushing and frequent flossing techniques that cause tartar (a hard coating of bacteria) to build up on the tooth surface and become hard. In advanced stages, serious periodontal infection can cause severe sore, bleeding gums, painful chewing difficulties; and tooth loss.
Periodontal disease has no specific cure, but it can be treated effectively using a variety of oral health therapies. These include dietary changes, which can help you reduce your risk of developing the disease, as well as antibiotics to help prevent it from progressing to the advanced stages.
Periodontal diseases occur most often among people who are overweight, and research has shown that those who have periodontal infections also have a higher risk of having heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and certain types of cancers. If left untreated, however, periodontitis can cause a lot of pain and embarrassment, and even lead to tooth-loss or permanent damage.
Periodontal diseases usually affects people who are in their 30’s and above. In fact, if left untreated, many adults may find themselves unable to chew their food or even drink coffee. Other signs of periodontitis include swollen gums, and an unpleasant taste in the mouth. Some people may experience difficulty eating or speaking due to sore gums and pain, while others will develop bad breath due to bacteria building up in the mouth. Unfortunately, the best defense against periodontitis is prevention, so you should take care of your gums by regularly brushing and flossing.
Many oral health treatments, such as mouthwashes, gels, mouthwashes, and medications, can be used to help heal the gum tissue and prevent future development. Many over-the-counter medications have proven to be effective in treating periodontitis, especially if applied the right away. Oral antibiotics can also help keep the bacteria levels low in the mouth, which helps in preventing further infection.
Periodontal diseases do not only affect your gums, but they can also affect your bones. Research has shown that a buildup of plaque between the teeth can contribute to osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. As a result, it is important to have regular check-ups with a dentist and/periodontist regularly.
Although gum disease may not cause major problems on its own, there are still some risks that may arise. If you are a smoker, you should stop. Smoking can actually increase the risk of having gum disease because the nicotine actually helps to stimulate the growth of the bacteria in the mouth, and can also reduce saliva production. Smoking also weakens your jaw, and can lead to difficulty chewing.
Periodontal disease can be treated in a variety of ways, depending on the type of disease you have. Treatments such as antibiotics and mouthwashes can help you reduce bacteria levels, while surgery can remove pockets of bone, which can encourage bacteria to grow. But these are typically only recommended for mild cases.
If you notice any signs or symptoms of periodontal disease, be sure to visit your dentist or oral health professional right away for a proper diagnosis. If left unchecked, gum disease can lead to severe complications, so it is important to act quickly.