Periodontal Disease: What You Need to Know
According to the American Dental Association, about 70% of individuals above 65 years suffer from periodontal disease. The disease increases as you get older. The good news is that people with periodontal disease can get help. A dentist can help you maintain your oral health and avoid issues like periodontal disease. Below are essential things you should know about periodontal disease.
Types of Periodontal Disease
The two main terms to know when referencing gum health are gingivitis and periodontitis. The main difference is that gingivitis causes inflammation around the gum pockets and gum line that only affects the soft tissue around your teeth/gingiva. On the other hand, periodontitis involves the gums and bones surrounding your teeth making it a more severe condition. Periodontitis is the more severe condition and is when there has been tissue and bone loss around the teeth.
What Causes Periodontal Disease?
The most common cause of periodontal disease is the bacteria in the mouth. The bacterium, called plaque, sticks to the surface of your teeth. It releases toxins that irritate your gums and cause swelling. The process leads to gingivitis, periodontitis, and other forms of tooth damage. To avoid suffering from periodontal disease, brush and floss your teeth daily and visit your dentist often.
How Can You Avoid Periodontal Disease?
Many people can get periodontal disease without ever knowing it until it is too late. Periodontal disease is not reversible. You can only prevent it from getting worse. To avoid this from happening, get regular cleanings at the dentist’s office. It is advisable to see the dentist at least once every six months. During dental appointments, your dental health professional can check for any signs of gum disease. And if there is any indicator of periodontal disease, the experts will take care of them before they can progress into something more serious.
How to Manage Periodontal Disease
One of the best ways to manage periodontal disease is an oral care kit. The kit will help you keep your teeth plaque-free. It will also help you eliminate other residues that may be causing problems in your mouth. Other treatments, such as local antibiotics and routine dental surgeries, are also used to remove gum pockets and other forms of periodontal disease.
Patients can minimize the effects of their periodontal disease if detected early enough. And a dentist can treat many periodontal cases successfully. However, you can avoid periodontal disease by taking preventative measures and properly taking care of your mouth. For help with dental health, feel free to visit our website for more insights.
And in case you find yourself in a painful dental emergency, know that there are local emergency dentists in your area who can attend to your needs. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you need to talk to a dental professional immediately. Contact us today for more information.