Half of all Americans over age 30 have some degree of periodontal of gum disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Those 70 or older have a 70% chance of having this gum infection. That’s alarming since this has an affect on someone’s overall health as well as their teeth. However, Periodontal Disease in Lake Worth FL is preventable.
What is Periodontal Disease?
If your gums bleed when you brush your teeth or seem a little swollen, these are signs of gingivitis, an early form of periodontal disease. Healthy gums do not bleed. The bleeding is caused by a bacterial infection contained in the plaque, the whitish, sticky substance that forms around the base of and between teeth. Untreated, gingivitis spreads and becomes periodontal disease. The structures that hold teeth securely in place can be destroyed, loosening the teeth until it’s necessary to extract them.
Periodontal disease has also been linked to an increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other serious health issues. The bacteria do not remain in the mouth but spread to other parts of the body. Allowing periodontal disease to develop and spread is dangerous.
Risk Factors
* Smoking increases the risk of developing periodontal disease and can make it harder to treat.
* Crowded or crooked teeth make it more difficult to remove plaque when brushing or flossing.
* Stress weakens the immune system, the body’s natural defense against infection.
* Medications can cause a dry mouth, including some drugs for blood pressure and depression.
* Some diseases, particularly diabetes and arthritis, increase the risk of developing periodontal disease.
Tips on Preventing Periodontal Disease
* Visit the dentist twice a year for a dental cleaning to remove the bacteria-laden plaque.
* Brush the teeth twice a day using toothpaste that will help to control plaque.
* Daily flossing removes plaque that the toothbrush can’t reach. The government is no longer officially recommending flossing, but the vast majority of dentists still do. Flossing is inexpensive, takes only 2-3 minutes a day, and you will see for yourself that it removes tiny bits of debris and plaque.
* Eat nutritious foods and avoid sugar, as this encourages bacteria growth and tooth decay.
Dr. Hillary L Krawatsky is committed to preventing and treating Periodontal Disease in Lake Worth FL. Aberdeen Dentistry provides high quality, personalized general and cosmetic dentistry for people of all ages. Visit the website to learn more about periodontal disease or request an appointment.You can connect with them on Facebook for more updates!
