Head’s Up…Here’s How To Keep On Top Of Periodontal Disease

You brush. You floss. You rinse. You may have even tried Oil Pulling.
But there’s no getting around it. Your mouth is full of bacteria, mucus and food particles.
And these sneaky culprits combine to form an icky film on your teeth…plaque.

Good dental habits can help get rid of plaque, but plaque that is not removed forms tartar which can only be removed by a dentist or a hygienist.
Consider this: The longer plaque and tartar remain on your teeth, the more harmful they becomes.

What is periodontal disease?

  • Periodontal disease ranges from simple gum inflammation to dental disease that results in serious damage to the soft tissue and bone that support your teeth.
  • Periodontal disease is common and serious.

Together, bacteria, tartar and plaque can cause gingivitis, an inflammation of the gums.
Signs to look for are gums that bleed easily and are tender, swollen and red. You may also notice a bad taste in your mouth. Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease that does not include loss of bone or tissue that hold the teeth in place. It is easily treated and can usually be reversed with good dental habits. If gingivitis is not treated, however, it can advance to periodontitis.

In periodontitis, the gums pull away from the teeth. Then pockets form that become infected.
The body’s immune system fights the bacteria but this natural response to infection starts to break down the connective tissue and bone that hold the teeth in place.
If left untreated, tissue, gums and bone are destroyed. Teeth become loose and eventually must be removed.

What causes periodontal disease? Poor oral hygiene is the most common cause. Smokers, pregnant women, diabetics and people whose immune system is compromised are also vulnerable.

The good news: The earlier it is caught, the easier periodontal disease is to treat.
The main goal of treatment is to control the infection.

If you are worried that you may have a form of periodontal disease, don’t wait. Call our offices for a consultation, today: (561) 627-9000.

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