Also known as gum disease, periodontal disease is something we don’t typically hear a lot about. Did you know, however, that it affects more than half of American adults in some form? Today we’d like to shed the light on gum disease and educate you about it so you can take proper measures to prevent it.
Periodontal Disease 101
Gum disease is essentially an infection of the support system for your teeth, which is your soft tissue and bone. When excessive plaque builds up around your gums, it allows harmful bacteria below your gum line. If the infection is left untreated, it will eventually destroy your bone and soft tissue, leading to tooth loss. Periodontal
disease is actually the number one cause of tooth loss in American adults.
As we’ve learned more about it, we now understand the implications that periodontal health has on your overall health and well being. Gum disease has also been connected with other health concerns in the body such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and stroke.
We now understand that the bacteria that causes gum disease, and the inflammation that contributes to these other concerns is related and can contribute to one another. Taking care of your oral health is so important because it also means taking care of your overall health and well being.
How to Combat Gum Disease
Your routine visits with your dentist at Wynkoop Dentistry are actually your best defense against issues like gum disease. We’ll screen you for it at every checkup, and we can actually detect it much earlier than you can because there aren’t many symptoms or much pain associated with it in the beginning. Early detection gives
you the opportunity to treat your condition with less invasive procedures.
The Two Stages of Gum Disease and How to manage them
Gingivitis is the first stage of periodontal disease, in which you may notice that your gums appear red, swollen, or irritated, or they bleed when you brush and floss your teeth.
Chronic bad breath that doesn’t go away is another telltale sign of gingivitis. This is the time to contact us and have a checkup because gingivitis can typically be effectively managed and sometimes reversed with a thorough professional cleaning and improvements to your home care routine.
Periodontitis is the advanced stage of gum disease, and now you may notice your gums receding or your teeth beginning to feel mobile. This stage will require a more extensive cleaning that reaches below the gum line to remove plaque and tartar buildup and smooth root surfaces. We may also recommend antibiotic therapy or
treatment with a periodontist for more severe cases.
Contact Wynkoop Dentistry
If you find yourself facing gum disease, you can rest assured that your team at Wynkoop Dentistry is well equipped to help you effectively manage your condition. Give us a call today to schedule your next cleaning and checkup.
