Warning Signs of Periodontal Disease Outlined by Troy Dentist

Periodontal disease is a growing problem that affects millions of people. In fact, it is estimated that nearly half of adults over 30 have some extent of the disease. One of the reasons it is so widespread is that it is common to have periodontal disease and see no symptoms.

Periodontal disease is a serious oral health concern, and without prompt treatment at our Troy Dentist office, it can take a serious toll on the health of your teeth and gums. More importantly, emerging research indicates that severe periodontal disease can contribute to serious physical problems like heart and respiratory disease, diabetes, and stroke.

What Causes Periodontal Disease?

Bacteria build up on the teeth and around your gumline all day, causing plaque to develop. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that coats enamel and oral tissue throughout the day.

You can remove a certain amount of plaque with brushing and flossing, but even the most conscientious at-home oral hygiene does not eliminate plaque completely. Plaque that remains on your teeth eventually hardens into a substance called tartar that should be removed at our dentist office.

Learn the Symptoms of Periodontal Disease

Some of the more common signs of periodontal disease are:

• Bleeding gums when brushing and flossing
• Swollen or inflamed gums
• The feeling that your teeth are becoming loose
• A change in the way your teeth fit together
• Teeth appear longer as gum tissue recedes
• Bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth even after using mouthwash or brushing your teeth

Everyone is prone to periodontal disease, even patients who take extra care with their oral hygiene. Proper brushing and flossing can help to remove much of the bacteria that linger on teeth, but at-home oral hygiene alone cannot remove all the plaque.

When plaque remains on the teeth it eventually calcifies into tartar. You cannot remove tartar from your teeth, and it must be done by a dental hygienist.

Prevention to Stop Gum Disease

Conscientious oral hygiene, regular dental exams and professional cleanings at the Troy Dentist office are your best defense against developing periodontal disease. We want to help protect your oral and general health.

Please contact our office at your earliest convenience to schedule an appointment for a comprehensive dental exam and professional cleaning.