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Periodontal disease has often been called the silent disease because it arrives unannounced and can worsen with little or no initial discomfort. Although initially quiet and unassuming, it is the leading cause of tooth loss among adults, it can destroy bone and supporting tissues, and it has been linked to life-threatening illnesses like heart disease and stroke, diabetes, and cancer, as well as premature births. Only your dentist or hygienist can remove calculus, but the best cure is prevention through regular brushing and flossing. It is always best to remove plaque before it becomes a problem. What is Periodontitis? Periodontitis is a more advanced infection, damaging the underlying ligaments and bone. Without intervention, your gums will shrivel away and expose your tooth roots, leading to tooth loss. Periodontitis is common, but very preventable as it usually develops from poor oral hygiene. Daily brushing and flossing and regular professional dental cleanings can greatly reduce your chance of developing periodontitis. Some common signs and symptoms of periodontitis may include:
* Swollen gums
* Bright red or purplish gums
* Gums that feel tender when touched
* Gums that pull away from your teeth, making your teeth look longer than normal
* New spaces developing between your teeth
* Pus between your teeth and gums
* Bad breath
* Bad taste in your mouth
* Loose teeth
* A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite When to See Your Boynton Beach Dentist If you have healthy gums, they are firm and pale pink in color. If your gums are puffy, dusky red and bleed easily, or show other signs or symptoms of periodontitis, see your dentist as soon as possible. The sooner you seek care, the better your chances of reversing damage from periodontitis and preventing other serious health problems. At your exam, your dentist will look for plaque and tartar buildup and check for easy bleeding. To check the health of your gum tissue, your dentist may use a metal probe to measure the depth of the gingival sulcus, the groove between your gums and your teeth. The probe is inserted beside your tooth beneath your gum line, usually at several sites throughout your mouth. The measurements can help determine how severe your periodontitis is. If your dentist determines you have periodontitis, there are several ways to treat it, depending on its severity. The goal of treatment is to thoroughly clean the pockets of bacteria and to prevent more damage from occurring. Talk to your Boynton Beach, FL dentist today for more information on periodontitis. Be on the lookout for common signs of periodontitis and seek professional care immediately if you experience any symptoms, as early treatment and prevention are vital in maintaining the health of your teeth.
Sean Hartmen writes for leading dentist in Boynton Beach, Dr. Lorne Tomalty and Dr. Jordan Tomalty of Tomalty Dental Care. Since 1978, Tomalty Dental Care, Boynton Beach, FL dentist, has been working with patients to provide the best cosmetic dentistry care for patients in the Florida area, including services in implants, veneers and teeth whitening.
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