How You Can Defend Your Gums and Teeth Against Periodontal Disease

How You Can Defend Your Gums and Teeth Against Periodontal Disease

Author: Alexis Hudson

There are millions of people who are suffering from periodontal disease, which affects their teeth and gums; unfortunately many don't even know it - are you one of them? Periodontal disease is a type of infection that affects the supporting tissues surrounding your teeth. The infection is caused by bateria found in your mouth that causes plaque to form. Brushing and flossing are important actions, which discharges quite a bit of plaque. However, it's not possible to rid your mouth completely of plaque. The plaque residue that is left behind hardens and becomes tartar. A buildup of tartar that collects under the gums can cause serious irritation and even lead to infection, which opens the door to gum disease. Go to this site for further information on periodontics sydney.

Periodontal disease, however, is 100% preventable. You can avoid periodontal disease with the proper precautions. As the Pennsylvania Dental Association keeps reminding the public, it is very important to maintain both healthy teeth and gums. The dual stages of gum disease are periodontitis and gingivitis. Gingivitis is the first stage of periodontal disease. This is when bacteria wriggles in between the tooth and gum, lodging itself there, invoking inflammation. This first stage of the disease can likely be reversed by daily brushing and flossing. However, without treatment, the more advanced stage of periodontal disease can develop, resulting in irreversible damage to teeth and surrounding bones, as well as the gums.

The more serious problems caused by periodontitis happen as the gum tissue adhering the teeth securely to the bone deteriorates, leading to inflammation, decay, receding of the gums, and, very possibly, loss of teeth. The use of tobacco is among the factors which can increase the odds of developing periodontal disease. Others include certain systematic diseases, such as diabetes, and some types of medication, including steroids and various anti epilepsy drugs, cancer therapy drugs, calcium channel blockers and oral contraceptives. In addition to disease or medications, the risk of periodontal disease may also increase due to bridges that no longer fit properly, crooked teeth, defective fillings, and even pregnancy.

In some studies, researchers have come to the conclusion that people who are afflicted with gum disease are more at risk for developing coronary artery disease. The prevelant theory is that the oral bacteria that causes gum disease can affect the heart by entering the blood stream, then attaching to fatty plaques in the heart's blood vessels, therefore contributing to clot formations. There are several action recommended by dentists to help you keep your gums healthy. Thoroughly brush your teeth twice daily and floss every day. Brushing and flossing helps to remove the plaque and food particles from the surface of the teeth and between the teeth where a toothbrush can't reach. You can get the best gum disease information by visiting this website.

Replace your toothbrush every few months or when the bristles become frayed or worn. Using a fluoride toothpaste and antibacterial mouth rinse is another way to help keep tooth decay at bay. Watch your diet and keep it balanced. Make healthy food choices. To make the most of a well balanced diet, simply keep your choices within the five food groups of dairy, fruits, veggies, grain, meat and poultry. Be sure to visit your dentist every six months for your routine oral checkups and professional cleanings.

If you should notice at any time the symptoms of periodontal disease, notify your dentist as soon as possible. Your symptoms may include: red, swollen or tender gums, gums that bleed easily or seem to be pulling away from your teeth, continuous bad breath or bad taste in the mouth, you find that permanent teeth are loose or separating, if you see pus appearing between teeth and gums when gums are touched, and finally, if you see changes in your teeth alignment when you bite.

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