Did you know that nearly half of American adults who are over 30 years old have periodontitis? Do you know what periodontitis is? If you don’t, you’re not alone. In fact, so many people need to become informed about gum disease that February is known as National Gum Disease Awareness Month. So how much do you know about gum disease? Are you one of the adults who has it? Increase your gum disease awareness in Jacksonville by continuing to read this helpful information.
What is gum disease?
Gum disease, also call periodontal disease, is an inflammatory condition in the gums. The bacteria that are found in plaque create toxins that irritate the gums, causing them to become red and swollen. This is the first stage of gum disease or gingivitis. Over time, the disease progresses to periodontitis, and the toxins make the gums recede from the teeth, forming pockets where bacteria and food particles accumulate even more. Without treatment, eventually the supporting bone and tissue can become damaged, causing teeth become loose. The ultimate result of untreated gum disease is tooth loss.
How does gum disease impact my overall health?
Don’t let the name fool you: gum disease affects more than just your gums. Not only can gum disease lead to tooth loss, but it has also been linked to several serious medical conditions, including the following:
- Heart disease.
- Kidney disease.
- Diabetes.
People with gum disease have been found to have a 20% higher risk for heart disease. Also, those with both kidney disease and gum disease are at a higher risk of death than those with kidney disease alone. Although determining causation is tricky, research clearly shows that gum disease is associated with all these diseases and needs to be explored in more studies.
Can gum disease be treated? How?
The good news is that gum disease is treatable, especially if caught early on. Gingivitis can usually be taken care of by a routine cleaning of your teeth at your six-month appointment. Later stages of gum disease, however, require more intensive treatment. Your dentist in Jacksonville may need to perform periodontal therapy, including scaling, which involves a deep cleaning above and below the gum line to clear out pockets of bacteria, and root planing, which entails smoothing out the exposed root surfaces to prevent future plaque buildup there. Your dentist may also apply a topical antibiotic treatment to ensure your mouth is bacteria free. For more advanced cases, surgery may be necessary.
How can I prevent gum disease?
The even better news is that gum disease is preventable! By implementing the following oral habits into your routine, you can make sure bacteria don’t wreak havoc in your mouth or body:
- Brushing at least twice a day.
- Flossing at least once a day.
- Visiting the dentist twice a year for checkups and cleanings.
You can also consider drinking more water and reducing the sugar content you consume to help keep bacteria under control.
In the end, gum disease is about more than just protecting our gums. By increasing your awareness of this disease and implementing healthy oral habits into your life, you will be able to preserve your natural teeth for the future. Your oral health is worth protecting so that you can enjoy your happy and healthy smile for years to come.
About the Practice
At Jacksonville Complete Dentistry, Dr. Rose Johnson and Dr. Wayne Barker provide comprehensive dental care for the whole family. From simple checkups and cleanings to advanced dental implant placement, they and their staff offer a variety of care options, so patients don’t have to see specialists. To schedule an appointment with them, you can call (904) 645-6457 or click here.