Did you know that over half of Americans over the age of 30 have periodontitis, otherwise known as gum disease? This is equivalent to 64.7 million Americans. As common as gum disease is, it is highly preventable through the practice of good oral hygiene and regular visits to the dentist.
Periodontitis stems from the formation of plaque on your teeth, caused by consuming sugary foods. Brushing and flossing will often address plaque buildup, but it will continue to form. When tartar builds up under the gum line, it is unable to be removed by routine brushing and flossing. Tartar is only able to be removed safely by a professional. For this reason, it is extremely important to schedule a visit every six months to have your teeth cleaned. By having the tartar removed from your teeth, you decrease risk of gingivitis (inflammation) in your gums, the earliest stage of gum disease.
Early symptoms of gum disease include swollen and inflamed gums, tenderness, bad breath, loose teeth, painful chewing, receding gum line, and new spaces between teeth. If you experience any of these symptoms, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment as soon as possible to treat gum disease before it progresses.
Gum disease is closely connected to your health. In addition to poor oral hygiene, gum disease can be influenced by a host of other factors. Increased risk factors include older age, hormonal changes, conditions such as diabetes and arthritis, genetics, medications that may cause changes in the mouth, inadequate nutrition, obesity, substance abuse, and smoking. According to a study performed by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, smokers have up to 6 times the risk of developing gum disease than non-smokers. And, gum disease can contribute to multiple other health conditions. Research suggests that gum disease can cause bacteria to enter your bloodstream through gum tissue, and cause issues in other organs such as your heart and lungs.
Your oral hygiene is important! Regular cleanings remove tartar and decreases your risk of gingivitis. And, if caught early, gum disease is treatable and reversible. Regular dental exams are an important step to preventing the painful symptoms of gum disease.