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Oral health is often taken for granted, but it is an essential part of our everyday lives. Good oral health enhances our ability to speak, smile, smell, taste, touch, chew, swallow and convey our feelings and emotions through facial expressions. Oral diseases range from cavities to oral cancer and can cause pain and disability for millions of Americans each year. Periodontal disease, otherwise known as gum disease, is an infection caused by bacteria that penetrates under the gum tissue and begins to destroy the gums and bone. Teeth become loose, chewing becomes difficult, and teeth may have to be extracted in a worst case scenario. Gum disease can also be connected to damage in other parts of your body, such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke and premature, low-weight births. What is Gum Disease (Periodontal)? Periodontal disease is caused by food particles and plaque, the sticky, colorless film that adheres to your teeth. Since gum disease is usually painless and slow to progress, periodontal disease can easily reach an advanced stage, resulting in deterioration of gums and bone structure, leading to the end result of tooth loss. Some of the phases of periodontal disease include: • Phase 1: If plaque builds up on teeth, it hardens and becomes tartar. In gingivitis, the early stage of periodontal disease, warning signs may include swollen, bleeding gums or persistent bad breath. Some people don't notice any symptoms at all.
• Phase 2: Periodontitis is a more advanced stage of gum disease and often results from untreated gingivitis.
• Phase 3: In advanced periodontitis, the pockets grow deeper, and plaque moves further down toward the tooth root, destroying supporting bone. Gum Disease Prevention is Easy and Begins at Home Preventing gum disease can save you a lot of pain, expense, and misery down the road if you follow a few simple guidelines. While regular dental exams are necessary to remove tartar and detect early signs of periodontal disease, you play the most important role in preventing tartar from forming. The following are some measures you can take to keep your teeth healthy for a lifetime: • Brush for five minutes, twice a day, with fluoridated toothpaste.
• Floss daily to remove plaque from places your toothbrush can't reach.
• Although not a substitute for brushing and flossing, a mouth rinse can reduce plaque up to 20 percent.
• Eat right: Starchy and sugary foods increase plaque, and only a healthy diet provides the nutrients necessary to prevent gum disease.
• Avoid cigarettes and chewing tobacco
• Have your dentist correct problems, such as faulty fillings, crowded teeth or teeth-grinding. Exercise preventative care and schedule regular check-ups with your dentist in Dartmouth and Westport. The surest way to detect early signs of periodontal disease is to visit your dentist regularly for proper maintenance and care. Protect your teeth and start preventing gum disease at home.
Sean Hartmen writes for Dr. Michael Katz, an experienced dentist in Little Compton. With over 30 years of experience in all areas of dentistry, this Westport, Tiverton and Dartmouth family dentist is highly qualified to meet the dental needs for patients of every age.
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