The periodontium is the set of tissues that support the teeth in the jaw. Periodontitis is a chronic infection that gradually damages the gums. This and other treatment options are included in Family Dentistry Services in Midwest City OK.
What does periodontitis affect?
Periodontitis affects the part of gum that is visible and the parts that are not. It includes other areas like:
• The jawbone
• The ligaments that help with chewing
• And the thin bony layer that covers the ligaments
What is the periodontium for?
Gums are essential because they allow a person to eat, talk, smile, and so on. But how can people recognize periodontitis? The first signs of periodontitis are quite easy to diagnose by the dentist and are sometimes visible:
• Swelling, redness and bleeding gums
• Loosening of teeth
• Tooth mobility
This also implies:
• Bad breath (halitosis)
• Sensitivity to hot and cold substances
• Bleeding from the gums when brushing
Some figures that should scare you
Periodontitis is not a rare disease because, in North America, 80% of the population has a low or moderate amount of periodontal risk. In the absence of treatment, 10 to 15% of people will lose their teeth due to loosening. There are early indications that some people are more likely than others to develop periodontal disease:
• Periodontitis can be an inherited disease
• Low resistance to stress (depression)
• History of smoking
• Low resistance to infections (diabetes)
• Very little or no dental decay
• History of painful gingivitis
Did you know that periodontal disease can lead to other health problems such as cardiovascular and pancreatic diseases and premature births? Routine Family Dentistry Services in Midwest City OK can help prevent this and other oral diseases.
True or false?
Decay is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. The answer: False. The main cause of tooth loss in adults over 35 is gum disease.
It is impossible to prevent teeth from loosening. Answer: False. Simple actions can reduce the risk of tooth loosening.
Treatment and periodontal surgery
Faced with this problem, people must act very quickly. The first visit to the dentist should be to establish an accurate diagnosis and develop a treatment plan. Root planing is indicated and it consists of eliminating the tartar and the plaque which accumulate on the teeth and under the gums. For more details, visit the website. You can also follow them on Twitter.
