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Periodontal disease is a huge oral health issue in America; but do you know what it involves? If we look closer at the word itself, we can find its definition. “Periodontal” comes from two Greek words: “peri” which means around, and “odontos” which means teeth. Therefore, it refers to a disease affecting the tissues and structures that are located around the teeth, specifically, the gums, bones, and connective tissues in your mouth and jaw. Periodontal disease is sometimes referred to as gum disease because its earliest stage is gingivitis. Gingivitis is an inflammation and mild infection of the gums that many people experience at one point or another. However, if left untreated, the gingival infection can lead to periodontitis — an aggressive infection that corrodes gum and bone tissue. By remaining proactive when caring for your oral health, you can reduce the chances of developing painful or serious periodontal infection in the future. Periodontal Disease: The Risk Factors Periodontal disease has some risk factors that are beyond patients’ control, such as age, genetics, and certain pre-existing diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or cardiovascular disease. While some risk factors are beyond control, some can be eliminated or reduced through simple lifestyle changes. Below, we’re outlining three tips to improve your periodontal health and protect your mouth’s vital supportive tissues. 1. Put Down the Sugary Treats Consuming carbohydrate-heavy food and drinks begins a corrosive life cycle for your teeth and gum tissues. Naturally, your saliva’s pH level keeps oral bacteria populations under control. But when harmful bacteria in your mouth consume carbohydrates left behind from eating, they release harmful acids that alter your saliva’s natural pH balance. When saliva is no longer able to keep bacteria growth in check, bacteria-filled plaque grows and expands throughout the mouth. Plaque eventually hardens into calculus, or tartar, if not removed within a couple of days. Once tartar has developed along your teeth, it can separate gum tissues from enamel and create periodontal “pockets” in the gums – an environment perfect for harmful oral bacteria to thrive. If not treated by your dentist, these pockets of bacterial infection can spread to bone tissue and cause significant damage to your jaw and oral structures. To prevent this whole cycle from beginning, save carbohydrate-heavy food and drinks for infrequent treats. And if you do enjoy a piece of candy or a plate of pasta, drink a glass of water afterwards to dilute the starches left behind in your mouth. 2. Stop Using Tobacco Products Smoking cigarettes or using e-cigs or other tobacco products isn’t just a bad habit for your lungs; tobacco products can slowly erode gum tissue and produce greater bacteria growth in your mouth. Today, dentists agree that tobacco use is the biggest risk factor for developing advanced, highly destructive periodontitis. By eliminating tobacco use, you can make a huge step in the right direction for your overall health—and especially your oral health. 3. Practice Meticulous Oral Care Developing healthy habits with correct oral hygiene techniques can significantly reduce your risk of developing periodontal disease. Daily brushings, flossing, and mouthwash use, combined with bi-annual cleanings from your local dentist will keep gingivitis at bay, or prevent the condition from developing further. Proper technique at home is crucial; it’s important to brush your teeth for at least two minutes twice a day, paying close attention to the area where your gums connect with your teeth. This is an area where bacteria-filled plaque and tartar have a tendency to accumulate. Also, a daily floss can remove hidden or hard-to-reach food debris that can cause bacteria growth and tooth decay between teeth. Many patients also choose to incorporate an antiseptic mouthwash into their daily oral cleaning routine to further discourage plaque build-up and prevent bad breath. Learn More about Periodontal Disease Are you ready for healthier gums? Our team at Metropolitan Dental Care, with locations in both Denver, CO and Lone Tree, CO, can help you get there with minimally invasive procedures. Additionally, if you currently suffer from bleeding or inflamed gums, halitosis, loose teeth, or receding gums, visit your local dentist sooner rather than later. We are accepting new patients, and would love to help you improve your oral health. It not only can improve your quality of life today, but can prevent invasive treatment or discomfort in the future. Schedule your first appointment by contacting our office.
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periodontal disease, dental care tips, gingivitis, gum disease, periodontist,
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