5 Ways to Check Your Periodontal Health

In our daily lives, the food we choose to eat can have good or bad effects on our dental health. One of these adverse effects can become the cause of periodontal disease. People don't usually pay much attention to their periodontal health, yet it can a pressing concern. It can be the cause of stroke, gingivitis, or periodontitis, all of which have either irreversible effects or no cure. In most cases of periodontal disease, there is no pain. Hence, people who are not observant won't even notice. For many, these diseases are unknown.

What is periodontal health?

Periodontal (gum) disease results from the presence of a sticky substance called plaque, the result of different bacteria present in the mouth due to poor brushing habits. The plaque hardens after some time and can weaken or infect the tissue that holds the teeth, making them grow weak. In advance stages, plaque can lead to tooth loss, bleeding gums, and pain while chewing. Periodontal Hhealth is the lack of said disease and preventing teeth from getting excess plaque.

Causes of periodontal diseases

The first stage of gum disease begins when gums inflame due to plaque. During its initial stages, there is no pain, but as the pain increases, so does the severity of the disease. Other causes may include:

Smoking

This is one of the most significant risk factors with the development of gum disease. Moreover, smoking can reduce the chances of successful treatment.

Diabetes

Patients who have diabetes have a higher chance to develop infections inclusive of gum disease.

Genetics

If many people in your family suffer from periodontal diseases, it makes you more likely to have it as well.

Other treatments

Medicines from other treatments such as AIDS and cancer increase risk of periodontal disease.

Five major symptoms of periodontal diseases

1. Red and swollen gums

If your teeth are overexposed or your gums are peeling off your teeth, it may be due to periodontal disease. 

2. Painful chewing

Periodontitis weakens the tissues in the teeth, making it painful to chew food or the teeth overly sensitive.

3. Bad breath

Many periodontal diseases have a prominent symptom, bad breath. If there is a recurring bad smell in your mouth, it could be the cause of gingivitis.

4. Loose teeth

Teeth chipping away or breaking off entirely is also a major symptom for periodontitis.

5. Bleeding gums

Gums prone to bleeding are often a sign of initial gingivitis.

So …

In conclusion, periodontal disease is a serious concern. If taken lightly, it can not only damage your teeth and gums but also cause other diseases. In most cases of treatment of periodontitis, the dentist will remove the teeth or perform surgery to remove the plaque. Sometimes, the dentist will take an x-ray to determine the severity of the disease. Although a very pressing concern, patients can avoid gingivitis if they continuously take good care of their health. 

For more information or to schedule an appointment with Advanced Periodontics & Implant Dentistry, request an appointment in our Odessa dental office here: https://www.westtexasperio.com. Or call us at (432) 538-3318.