5 Facts about Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is a form of gum disease that causes teeth and supporting bone and tissue to decay. This can loosen your teeth, and in more severe cases, you might lose them altogether. If you’ve been suffering from symptoms of gingivitis or periodontitis, this article is for you.

Here are the 5 facts you need to know about periodontal disease from your dentist in Kennewick WA:

Fact 1: Half of American Adults Have This Disease

According to data from CDC (Centers for Disease Control), 47% of American adults are affected by periodontal disease. This translates to 64.7 million people from the American population.

Fact 2: Here’s What the Disease Affects in the Mouth

Periodontal disease attacks the soft and hard tissues that house the gums and teeth. In its early stages, also known as gingivitis, it causes gums to swell up and look red due to inflammation. These means that your body is in need of immediate dental attention.

Failing to visit the dentist at the earliest would make matters worse since periodontal disease will inevitably progress to periodontitis, an advanced stage of the disease. This causes gums and teeth to decay, and you will eventually lose all your teeth.

Fact 3: The Causes of Periodontal Disease

There are multiple factors that might make you more susceptible to periodontal disease. However, the most common cause of advancing periodontitis is inflammation caused by bacterial infection, which requires urgent dental attention.

Other factors include:

• Lack of adequate daily care and oral hygiene
• Inherited or genetic susceptibility
• A history of health problems or certain medications leading to symptoms
• Age factor, diet habits, too much smoking, drinking, etc.

Fact 4: Treating Periodontitis can Reduce Other Disease Risk Factors as Well

Many researchers have demonstrated that periodontal disease has a perio-systemic connection with other common diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and rheumatoid arthritis.

While periodontists can treat oral inflammation (which studies show can be the main factor linking to other serious health conditions), a significant amount of research indicates that receiving proper treatment for periodontitis may help reduce inflammation, which effectively eliminates pathways that lead to other diseases in the body.

Fact 5: Periodontitis is an Advanced-level Gingivitis

If gingivitis is not taken care of properly by a professional dentists, it can easily advance to periodontitis. Gingivitis is caused by the buildup of plaque and tartar between the teeth.

When excess amounts of tartar and plaque builds up and aren’t taken care right away, it leads to severe deterioration of your teeth, gums, and jawbone.

If you’re currently suffering from symptoms of gingivitis, have it looked at as soon as possible.

There’s no need to wait for periodontal disease to advance to periodontitis, not unless you want to lose your natural teeth for good. Seek the opinion and services of a dentist who has a proven track record.