Periodontal Disease Affects Nearly Half of America

Did you know that 47.2 percent, or 64.7 million American adults have mild, moderate or severe periodontitis, the more advanced form of periodontal disease?

Gums that bleed or are swollen are not caused by a hard-bristled toothbrush or a very strong toothpaste or mouthwash. It is generally a sign of gum disease, something that you need to be wary about. Vevera Family Dental provides excellent information on preventative care.

Understanding The Effects And Causes Of Periodontal Disease

Understanding Periodontal disease can positively affect your health in many ways. This condition consists of symptoms where the structures that surround the teeth are not in their best or optimum shape and functioning. This means that these structures may be inflamed, swollen, cut, or infected.

 

 

Causes

Although there are a lot of myths surrounding the exact cause of periodontal diseases, scientists and oral health experts agree that the single most common cause of gum diseases are bacteria found in dental plaque.

Types of Periodontal Diseases

Periodontal diseases are a cluster of disease conditions that all point to one major problem – an abnormality in the supporting structures in and around the teeth.

• Gingivitis is a common mild form of periodontal disease characterized by swollen red gums.
• Chronic periodontitis involves inflammation of the tissues that maintain the teeth characterized by gums that detach from the teeth.
• Aggressive periodontitis results from chronic periodontitis.
• Necrotizing periodontal diseases include ulcerative gingivitis and necrotizing ulcerative periodontitis and are often found in individuals with an immunocompromised state.

Risk Factors

Periodontal diseases are largely preventable. By managing certain risk factors, you can effectively reduce your risk of developing periodontal diseases.

• Genetic predisposition does not mean you have to forget oral hygiene. The mere fact that periodontal disease runs in the family, this should prompt you to be more persistent with your oral hygiene.
• Smoking has been shown to greatly increase the development of periodontal diseases so the decision to quit smoking is entirely up to you.
• Improper teeth alignment or the presence of dental braces or dental bridges can hamper the effective brushing of your teeth as well as surrounding areas.
• Gritting, grinding, or clenching of your teeth can lead to periodontal disease because of the pressure that can severely affect the periodontal ligaments.
• Stress is known to weaken the immune system so you are more prone to infections.

The only way to prevent periodontal diseases is by meticulous oral care as well as quitting smoking and effective stress management.

For further information on Periodontal Disease and Gum disease, visit the American Academy of Periodontology Website.

If you have any concerns about your own oral health after reading this article, Vevera Family Dental would be happy to answer any questions or help you schedule an appointment. Please call (321) 236-6606