Periodontal Disease Can Cause Serious Health Issues: Take Preventive Measures Now

Periodontal diseases are unfortunately extremely common in the US. According to the American Dental Association, many people experience problems  with gum disease during adulthood. This issue can be reversible if it is in its early stages, but the best option is to prevent gum disease before it happens.

Dr. David Blaustein is a certified dentist who is focused on not only helping people keep their smiles looking good, but staying healthy as well. After all, dental health isn’t just about your teeth; your gums play an important part, as you will see.

Causes and complications of periodontal disease

Most of the time, gum disease occurs because of a buildup of plaque. This can happen when you don’t brush your teeth as regularly or as thoroughly as you should. In many cases, it leads to gingivitis, the mild-stage periodontal disease, which can usually be reversed.

Smoking can also increase the risk of periodontal disease, as can illnesses like diabetes or HIV/AIDS. In addition, certain medications can create periodontal problems because they might lessen the amount of saliva you create, and certain hormonal changes may also lead to these issues. When too many risk factors and other issues are present, gingivitis can potentially lead to periodontitis, also known as late-stage gum disease.

The problem of periodontal disease may affect more than just your mouth and dental health, however. According to the Mayo Clinic, certain studies have shown that some diseases and conditions may be linked to periodontitis. These include coronary artery disease, stroke, respiratory disease, and rheumatoid arthritis. It should be mentioned, though, that these possible links have not been fully proven, as further studies are still needed.

How can I prevent periodontal disease?

Luckily, preventing periodontal disease is possible—and much easier than dealing with the issues this problem can cause down the line. Here are some of the best ways you can focus on preventing gum disease in your life.

• The best way to prevent periodontal disease is to practice good oral hygiene. This means:
• Brushing at least twice a day, usually before bed and in the morning
• Spending at least two minutes on each brushing session
• Flossing once a day
• In addition, it is vital that you see your regular dentist for a cleaning at least once every 6-12 months.
• Those who have more risk factors associated with periodontal diseases should see their dentists more often.
• Stop smoking, or cut back on smoking, especially if you have other risk factors associated with gum disease. Smoking is one of the biggest causes of periodontal problems.

Finally, it is important to know the signs and symptoms of periodontal disease. The problem can often occur without any pain or seemingly any cause for alarm. As such, it is important to be able to recognize it when it does occur, so you can take action quickly. The main signs of periodontal disease are

• Bleeding gums
• Swollen, tender gums
• Red gums
• Constant bad breath
• Experiencing pain while chewing or eating
• Gums that have pulled back from the teeth
• Teeth that feel loose or sensitive

What should I do if I am worried about periodontal disease?

Come visit Dr. Blaustein for a cleaning and consultation. He and the rest of his staff are happy to answer your questions about periodontal and dental health. Call 917-633-7312, or visit our website today to book your own appointment online.