When was the last time that you had your teeth cleaned? If it has been a while, it is probably time to visit your local dentist for a checkup. Periodontal disease is a growing problem, and many people have the disease and do not even know it.
Periodontal disease forms over time and is caused as a result of untreated gum disease or gingivitis. Often, patients do not know they have the condition until they begin to notice symptoms such as tooth loss, bad breath, and pulling away of the gums from the teeth.
If you thought that your only worry was a couple of symptoms, periodontitis can actually lead to more problems, including heart disease and diabetes.
Heart Disease and Periodontal Disease
Studies that have been conducted have shown a link between gum disease and heart disease. This means that allowing gum disease to persist could place your life in danger. In addition to making you more prone to heart disease, if you already have heart disease, gum disease can worsen your condition. Heart disease is characterized by strokes, heart attacks, high cholesterol, and similar conditions.
Diabetes and Periodontal Disease
Studies have indicated the periodontal disease and diabetes are linked and related to each other. For instance, patients who have diabetes often suffer from periodontal disease due to their body's inability to stave off infections.
Treatment Options for Periodontal Disease
There are a number of treatment options for periodontal disease and it is important that you seek treatment right away.
One of the most common treatment methods is root planing and scaling. This form of deep cleaning will remove any plaque from your teeth and the roots. Often, antibiotics will need to be taken in conjunction with the deep cleaning to ensure the infection is put to sleep.
Another treatment option includes Perio Protect, which many patients prefer. This is a gentle and less invasive type of treatment that helps control the bacteria growing in your mouth. Perio Protect includes a dental tray that allows you to continue receiving treatment at home to keep your teeth healthy.
Talk to Your Dentist Today
The Centers for Disease Control estimate that one out of every two adults over the age of 30 suffer from periodontal disease. A study conducted in 2009 and also 2010 showed that roughly 47 percent of Americans have a mild to moderate form of periodontitis. With such large numbers, it is important that you seek the proper dental treatments and follow up with your dentist to ensure your gums and teeth are healthy.
Share7 August 2015
Halloween is a holiday that my children love, and telling them they can't go door-to-door collecting candy would break their hearts. This led me to allowing them to collect candy on the holiday, then rationing it out to them every day instead of letting them gobble it up in just a few days. I always thought this was better for them, but my dentist told me this could be the reason why their February dental check-ups were always their worst ones. Daily candy consumption was taking a toll on their teeth. I started a new tradition of letting them indulge for two days, then giving them the option to swap the rest with me in exchange for a new toy. They never pass on the opportunity for a new toy. I created this blog to encourage other parents find similar tactics to keep their children's teeth healthy after Halloween.