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Periodontal Disease: Don't Wait Till It Hurts
Posted on 12/5/2022 by Evan
Taking care of your oral health is just as important as your overall health. In fact, what many people don't know is that the two are closely related. Taking care of your oral health reduces your risk of diabetes, heart disease, and oral cancer. Periodontal disease, more commonly known as gum disease, is a significant factor in your decline in oral health. Unfortunately, periodontal disease affects nearly 75 percent of American adults, with the majority completely ignoring it. Therefore, it is essential to understand the symptoms and causes of this disease to understand better how to treat and prevent this disease from harming your health.
Periodontal disease is caused by bacteria found in plaque. If plaque is not removed systematically, bacteria will build up and infect your teeth, gums, and sub gingival tissue. It can also eventually damage the one that supports your teeth, leading to tooth loss if left untreated. The disease goes through 3 stages: gingivitis periodontitis and advanced periodontitis; the more each step damages your oral health, the longer it lasts without treatment.
Signs to look out for
Knowing the symptoms of periodontal disease is vital to detect it early and prevent future health problems. If you notice any of the following signs, see your dentist immediately:
Gums that are red, swollen, tender, or bleeding when brushing or flossing. You may also feel bad odor in the mouth with teeth getting weird formation. Oftentimes, pain when chewing loose teeth or changes in the site of the problem are common.
With regular dental visits, your dentist can detect the development of periodontal disease in its early stages before your gums and ones around your teeth are irreparably damaged. So don't wait for it to hurt!
During the exam, your dentist will check your gums for periodontal problems. An instrument called a periodontal probe will be used to determine if there is a break in the attachment of gum tissue or the growth of pockets between your gums and teeth. If you feel this may be the situation for you or your loved ones, please reach out and we'll be glad to assist in any way we can.
Dental Blog | Metropolitan Dental Specialty Group We are a premier dental practice in Silver Spring, MD & the surrounding D.C. area, offering the best in restorative & cosmetic dentistry. Visit our Dental Blog! Metropolitan Dental Specialty Group, 8380 Colesville Rd #750, Silver Spring, MD 20910 • (301) 585-0400 • metdentgroup.com • 10/2/2024 • Tags: dental implants Silver Spring MD •
Taking care of your oral health is just as important as your overall health. In fact, what many people don't know is that the two are closely related. Taking care of your oral health reduces your risk of diabetes, heart disease, and oral cancer. Periodontal disease, more commonly known as gum disease, is a significant factor in your decline in oral health. Unfortunately, periodontal disease affects nearly 75 percent of American adults, with the majority completely ignoring it. Therefore, it is essential to understand the symptoms and causes of this disease to understand better how to treat and prevent this disease from harming your health.