A visit to the dentist is a great way to maintain your oral health as well as keep an eye on your overall health. Think of dentistry as your one-stop shop. The ins and outs of general dentistry treat all kinds of problems, big and small, and procedures that can’t be handled in office will be referred to experts. One of the most common dentistry issues is periodontitis, or gum disease. Almost half of adults over the age of 30 in the United States experience some form of periodontal, which can lead to other significant oral health problems.
Adults affected by periodontitis aren’t only at risk for developing further oral health problems; the disease can seriously affect an individual’s sense of self-confidence and their mental health. If you’re unsure about the signs of symptoms of periodontal disease, review these four items, and take back your smile.
The Warning Signs are Numerous
While gum disease can certainly sneak up on an individual, the symptoms and warning signs of the disease are hard to miss. Bleeding gums, tooth sensitivity, loose teeth, a receding gum line, or red, swollen gums are all common symptoms that arrive with periodontal disease. Painful chewing and a persistent bad breath are also signs that gum disease has arrived.
Certain Factors May Put You at a Greater Risk
People over the age of 65 are at a greater risk of developing gum disease, as well as smokers and those who suffer from chronic diseases. Stress and a family history of gum disease are also factors that can put an individual at a higher risk of developing gum disease.
It Can Impact Your Overall Health
One wouldn’t think that your oral health would have an affect on the health of your entire body, but studies have shown that periodontal diseases are linked to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, respiratory illnesses, and complications during pregnancy. Periodontitis also puts you at a higher risk of developing diabetes. While there’s no clear connection between the disease and these higher risks of developing other diseases, it’s theorized that the inflammation caused by gum disease is the underlying cause.
Gum Disease is Preventable
The good news in all of this is that periodontitis is a preventable disease. A good oral health routine, such as brushing your teeth and regularly flossing, are incredibly helpful in preventing gum disease. Routine visits to your dentist will also help to identify any signs of gum disease as well as benefit your smile. If you’re a smoker, quitting will have a significant impact on lowering your chances of developing the disease as well as benefiting your entire body.
The best time to talk to your dentist about periodontitis is now. If you have any questions or concerns about gum disease, or you suspect you’re beginning to develop the symptoms, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with your dentist. Prevention will go a long way in curing this disease so your smile doesn’t have to suffer.
