|
|
 
Periodontal Disease
"Periodontal" is a word that means "around the tooth". Gums and the bones around the teeth are used for support by the teeth, and periodontal disease takes aim and attacks both of these. The film left behind after eating is called "plaque", and is a sticky combination of bacteria, saliva, and food particles. When left untouched, plaque turns into "tartar", or "calculus". If these two substances, plaque and tartar, are not properly removed, they start to attack the gums and bone around the teeth. You can recognize periodontal disease by its characteristics of bleeding and swollen gums.
Eighty percent of the population has periodontal disease and are completely unaware of it. The disease goes unnoticed and uncorrected because in its early stages, it is not painful.
Periodontal disease is the number one cause of tooth loss, and researchers are now recognizing a connection between this disease and others such as pneumonia, stroke, diabetes, and heart disease. Research is now focused on the connection between systemic diseases and periodontal disease. Smokers are also at increase risk of developing the disease.
A well-balanced diet, proper tooth maintenance, and regularly-scheduled visits to the dentist will reduce your risk of getting periodontal disease.
Some of the symptoms include:
- Bleeding gums. Even when brushing hard or flossing, gums should not bleed.
- Signs of puss around the teeth or gums, an indication that the area is infected.
- Gums that have pulled away from the teeth. This is also known as a receding gum line.
- Teeth that feel loose. This is the result of bone loss and weakened gums.
- Spaces between teeth that didn't used to exist.
- Halitosis, or bad breath. This is caused by bacteria that remain in the mouth.
- Puffy and red gums. Healthy gums will never be red or puffy.
|
|
|
|
|
