Periodontal Disease: A Dentist On How To Keep Your Teeth After A Diagnosis
Although we may not give as much attention to oral health as other aspects of physical health, taking care of your teeth through brushing and flossing properly is essential. Ignoring oral hygiene can lead to the development of periodontal disease, which can lead to major dental problems.
How long can you keep your teeth with periodontal disease? And is it actually possible to prevent this disease through vigilant toothbrushing and oral care?
What is periodontal disease?
As Dr. Kalasho explains to Green Matters, “periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the gums, ligaments, and bone surrounding the teeth.” When left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss, she notes.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention explains that periodontal diseases result from infections and inflammation of the gums and the bones around your teeth. Gingivitis, a term most of us have heard of, is an early stage of periodontal disease that involves swelling and redness in the gums as well as possible bleeding of the gums.
Warning signs and causes of periodontal disease.
To be on the lookout for periodontal disease, you can learn the warning signs. The CDC lists the following: bad breath or a persistent bad taste, red/swollen gums, tender or bleeding gums, and pain when chewing are a few. You may also experience sensitive or loose teeth, notice that the gums are pulling away from teeth.
Changes in the fit of teeth when biting or changes in the fit of partial dentures can also indicate periodontal disease.
Other risk factors of periodontal disease, per the CDC and NIDCR, include:
- smoking
- hormonal changes in girls and women due to oral contraceptives or pregnancy
- genetics
- illnesses including diabetes or AIDS (and related medications)
- stress
- crooked teeth
- defective fillings.