Don’t Let Periodontal Disease Take Away Your Smile
Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is progressive infection of the tissues and bone that support the teeth. Untreated gum disease can become very serious, causing teeth to become loose or fall out.
Gum disease is usually caused by a buildup of plaque, an invisible sticky layer of germs that forms naturally on the teeth and gums. Plaque contains bacteria, which produce toxins that irritate and damage the gums. It can cause problems from the simply embarrassing (like bad breath) to the serious - like pain and tooth loss (which is both embarrassing and serious!). Gum Disease – not old age – is the biggest reason people in the United States lose their teeth.
Hundreds of types of bacteria live in the mouth, so keeping plaque at bay is a constant battle. According to the American Dental Association, it only takes 24-hours for enough bacteria to form in the mouth to start causing gum disease. Bleeding gums are usually the first sign of gingivitis, the mildest form of periodontal disease. Other warning signs include gum tenderness, redness, or puffiness.
Gum disease can be sneaky, sometimes causing little or no pain or irritation before permanent damage is done to your teeth. That's why regular dental visits are a must. With x-rays and a thorough examination, our team of professionals at Federal Hill Smiles can spot trouble before you know it's there.
The earlier that gum disease is caught, the better. Once someone develops periodontitis, it isn't as easy to control. Usually there is widespread infection of the gums that needs to be treated. This may require several special treatments.
Fortunately, there's good news: Gum disease is usually preventable. Just take care of your teeth, starting now. Don't wait!
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