What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal diseases are infections that affect the tissue and bone that support your teeth. As the tissues are damaged, a pocket develops where your gum line meets the tooth. This allows harmful bacteria to grow and can eventually lead to tooth loss.
How do I know if I have periodontal disease?
You can have the disease without symptoms. Regular dental checkups will help keep you up-to-date on your dental health. However, here is a list of warning signs to alert your dentist to:
Gums that bleed easily Red, swollen, or tender gums Gums that have pulled away from your teeth Persistent bad breath Pus between the teeth and gums Loose or separating teeth A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite A change in the fit of partial dentures
To find out if you are at risk, here are several factors that increase your risk of developing periodontal disease:
If you smoke or chew tobacco If you have a systemic disease, such as diabetes, HIV infections and AIDS If you take many medications, such as steroids, cancer therapy drugs, blood pressure drugs, some anti-epilepsy drugs and oral contraceptives Bridges that no longer fit properly; crooked, crowded teeth, or fillings that have become defective Puberty and pregnancy can change the hormone levels, causing gum tissue to become more sensitive to toxins Genetics can also play a role in making some patients predisposed to diseases
How can I prevent periodontal diseases?
A good oral hygiene routine, including regular dental visits, can help reduce your risk. Also, eating a balanced diet and limiting snacks and brushing your teeth twice a day can go a long way in reducing the chance of developing periodontal diseases.
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