Ensure The Health Of Your Gums And Teeth By Warding Off Periodontal Disease: How You Can
Millions of people suffer from periodontal disease and yet few even know it. It’s important to learn how to safeguard your teeth and gums against periodontal disease. When the tissues supporting your teeth are infected, you have periodontal disease. Bacteria that live in your mouth form the plaque that causes the disease. You are not able to remove all of this plaque, no matter how diligently you brush and floss. The plaque which remains behind, even after you’ve cleaned your teeth thoroughly, solidifies into tartar. Once tartar is developed along your gum line, it will inflame and contaminate your gums and cause gum disease. More information on the topic of dentistry is located at orthodontics sydney.
Although widespread, periodontal disease is a condition that can easily be prevented. The critical nature of maintaining the health of your teeth and gums was recently communicated by the Pennsylvania Dental Association. There are two stages in periodontal disease: gingivitis and periodontitis. The first stage, gingivitis, is the early stage of periodontal disease, where the bacteria get in between the tooth and gum, causing inflammation. During this early stage, daily brushing and flossing can likely reverse periodontal disease. If left untreated, periodontitis, the more advanced stage of periodontal disease, can develop, causing irreversible damage to the gums, teeth and surrounding bones.
The tissue securing the teeth to the bone is attacked in periodontitis. This leads to exposure of the roots and an acceleration of decay, inflammation and recession of the gums. The outcome can be tooth loss. A number of factors put you at greater risk for developing periodontal disease, such as tobacco use. Other factors are various systemic diseases like diabetes, certain types of medications, such as steroids, some anti-convulsants, cancer drugs, oral contraceptives and calcium channel blockers. 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.
Research has demonstrated a link between gum disease and coronary artery disease. Experts have shown that people who suffer with gum disease are two times more likely to have coronary artery disease as well. The reasoning behind this comes from the adverse affects of oral bacteria within the blood stream; it can attach itself to the fatty plaques in the heart’s blood vessels, adding to formation of clots. Following are tips from the experts on preventing periodontal disease and maintaining optimal dental health. Be sure to brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day. These two activities will remove most of the plaque and food particles from the surface of the teeth and even in between the teeth where the toothbrush can’t reach. Visit headaches to learn more about dentistry.
You should buy a new toothbrush once your current brush’s bristles wear out, or at least purchase one every couple of months. Tooth decay can be held off by the use of antibacterial mouth wash, or by using a toothpaste with fluoride. A key in healthy teeth and gums that’s often overlooked is a nutritious, well-balanced diet. Include a vast selection of healthy foods in your diet that comprise of meat, vegetables, poultry, grain (especially whole grains) and fruits. Go see your dentist twice a year to get your teeth cleaned and have an oral health examination.
Any symptom of periodontal disease should be brought to the attention of your dentist immediately. Keep this list of periodontal disease symptoms handy: gums that often bleed or are receding, regular bad taste in the mouth or halitosis, loose or moving permanent teeth, red, tender, or puffy gums, the appearance of pus between gums and teeth when pressure is applied to gums, changes in bite and alignment of teeth, and changes in the fit of dentures that once fit correctly.