Periodontal disease, more commonly known as gum disease, affects adults to varying degrees. Depending on the progression of the disease, you may notice inflamed gums that make your teeth sensitive to temperature and pressure. This ultimately weakens the support of your teeth and may lead to their loss.
Periodontal Disease Information
Family dentists go to great lengths to educate patients of all ages on the importance of oral hygiene to prevent such problems. However, if you’ve neglected to take care of your teeth, we won’t judge you, we just want to help.
Who Gets Gum Disease and How?
For many, the first time they feel symptoms of gum disease is usually once it has progressed significantly. This usually comes after ignoring milder states of periodontal infections, such as gingivitis.
This is almost always the direct effect of improper hygiene practices that allow plaque to build up along the gumline. This accumulation of bacteria applies itself as a film that traps in food and foreign agents, hardening over time to become tartar. At this point, only professional cleaning can address what brushing could have avoided.
Who is Most at Risk for Gum Disease?
Those who are not following proper oral care habits are most susceptible to contracting gum disease and oral infections. There are developmental changes, such as puberty and menopause, that can increase the probability of developing gum disease.
Medical conditions can make some people prone to all kinds of infections and diseases. But there are also lifestyle choices and habits that increase the likelihood of contracting periodontal disease.
Smokers are exposed to carcinogens that can contribute to tartar buildup, and regular smokers are at higher risk for treatment due to lower immunities to combat infection. Those with Type-2 or Adult Onset Diabetes regularly develop infections that can lead up to gum disease.
What are the Signs of Gum Disease?
As with all infections, the body communicates that something is wrong as fast as possible. Unfortunately, most people don’t recognize these warning signs, increasing the chance of irreparable damage, discomfort, and pain.
For many, the symptoms are the same. One will experience the following:
- Foul breath
- Swollen and inflamed gums
- Tenderness and bleeding of gums
- Discomfort when eating and drinking
- Increased tooth sensitivity
- Discoloration of teeth
While any one of these symptoms may not be indicative of gum disease, several of them warrant immediate attention from a dentist.
How is Gum Disease Treated?
Medical history is gathered to assess the past health of the patient. This will be followed up by an examination to determine the extent of the infection and the state of the gums and teeth.
Many treatment options are readily available, and the method chosen depends on the patient and their condition. Irrespective of the method of treatment, the patient will be expected to reevaluate their method of oral hygiene to prevent a second infection.
In addition to this change in lifestyle and daily routine, most dentists will encourage regular visits and deep cleanings to remove tartar that may have been missed in the months prior.