Oral Health
According to a CDC report, published recently, relating to the prevalence of periodontitis in the United States, 47.2% of adults aged 30 years and older have some form of periodontal disease, and that 70.1% of adults 65 years and older have it. It is more common in adult men(56.4% vs 38.4% women), those living below the federal poverty level (65.4%), those with less than a high school education (66.9%), and current smokers (64.2%)
In its early stage, periodontal disease is termed as ‘gingivitis,’ the swelling and inflammation of the gums which may or may not bleed. Periodontitis is the more serious form when the gums pull away from the root, exposing it, teeth may loosen owing to some jaw bone destruction, and may lead to loss of the tooth. The condition is mainly the result of infections and inflammation of the gums and bone that surround and support the teeth.
What causes periodontitis?
Bacteria in the mouth infect tissue surrounding the tooth, causing inflammation around the tooth leading to periodontal disease. When bacteria stay on the teeth long enough, they form a film called plaque, which eventually hardens to tartar, also called calculus. Tartar build-up can spread below the gum line, which makes the teeth harder to clean.
These warning signs should not be ignored: red or swollen gums, tender or bleeding gums, sensitive or loose teeth, pain on chewing, bad breath or bad taste that won’t go away, gums pulling away or tooth seemingly elongated, any change in the bite or any change in the fit of partial dentures.
Factors that increase the risk for periodontitis: heredity, stress, smoking, poor oral hygiene, crooked teeth, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, dry mouth, defective fillings, ill-fitting bridges, and female hormonal changes, such as with pregnancy or the use of oral contraceptives
How do you prevent and treat periodontitis?
Control gingivitis with good oral hygiene and regular professional cleaning. The condition can still be reversed. However, a more extensive treatment may be required in moderate to severe forms of periodontal disease. Deep cleaning of the tooth root surfaces below the gums, medications prescribed, and sometimes corrective surgery may be needed. More frequent dentist visits are necessary to manage or treat periodontal disease.
SourceTreating Periodontal Disease in Issaquah
See your Issaquah dentist for regular checkups, or more frequently if you have any of the warning signs or risk factors for periodontal disease.
