What is Periodontal Disease?

June 17, 2010 - PRLog -- "Perio" means around, and "dontal" refers to teeth. Periodontal disease is an infection of the structures around the teeth, including the gums and the bones that hold the teeth. The earliest stage of periodontal disease is gingivitis — an infection of the gums. In more severe forms of the disease, all of the tissues are involved, including the bone that support the teeth.  In the worst cases, teeth are lost. Bacteria that live and reproduce on the teeth and gums cause periodontal disease.

Symptoms of Periodontal Disease

Symptoms may include the following:

•   redness or bleeding of gums while brushing teeth or using dental floss.
•   halitosis, or bad breath..
•   gum recession, resulting in apparent lengthening of teeth.
•   “pockets” between the teeth and gums indicating that the bone which holds the teeth in the mouth is dissolving.
•   loose teeth.

Gum inflammation and bone destruction are largely painless. Hence, people may wrongly assume that painless bleeding after teeth cleaning is insignificant, although this may be a symptom of progressing periodontitis. If your hands bled when you washed them, you would be concerned. Yet, many people think it's normal if their gums bleed when they brush or floss.

Periodontal Disease Affects Your Health

Periodontal disease is a putrid, festering infection of the mouth. Bacteria and inflammatory particles can enter the bloodstream through ulcerated and bleeding gums and travel to the heart and other organs.

In recent years, gum disease has been linked to a number of health problems. Researchers are studying possible connections between gum disease and:

•   Heart disease — gum disease may increase the risk of heart disease. Gum disease also is believed to worsen existing heart disease.
•   Stroke — gum disease may increase the risk of the type of stroke caused by blocked arteries.
• Diabetes — people with diabetes and periodontal disease may be more likely to have trouble controlling their blood sugar than diabetics with healthy gums.
•   Premature births — a woman who has gum diseases during pregnancy may be more likely deliver her baby too early and the infant may be more likely to be of low birth weight. One study showed that up to 18 percent of premature, low-birth-weight babies might be linked to maternal gum disease.

Combating Periodontal Disease

1.    Straighten your teeth.
Crowded teeth are nearly impossible to keep clean. Orthodontic treatment can greatly reduce inflammation and periodontal disease. Invisalign can eliminate crowding without metal brackets and wires.

2.   Brush and floss daily. Take your time and do it right!

3.   Use an anti-bacterial mouthwash.
Daily use of an anti-bacterial mouthwash helps to disinfect the teeth and gums, and reduces the number of bacteria.

4.   See your dentist!
See your dentist every six months for a checkup! Regular professional cleanings and checkups make you feel good, look good, and could be a lifesaver!

If you have been told you have periodontal (gum) disease, you’re not alone! An estimated 80 percent of American adults currently have some form of the disease.  If you have crowded teeth, please contact us at http://www.sterlinginvisalign.info to find out what your treatment options are, in an attempt to prevent periodontal disease which in turn will keep your heart healthy.  Dr. Saba offers complimentary orthodontic consultations for adults and children.

# # #

Shadi Saba D.D.S. has a state of the art Orthodontist office in the DC, Maryland and Virginia area. We offer the highest in customer service and the utmost quality and care. Services include ibraces, Invisalign, TMJ treatment, and traditional braces.