Your Guide to Periodontal Disease and How to Prevent It

Periodontitis is a gum disease caused by an infection that can damage the soft tissue in the mouth and affect the bone that supports your teeth. Ultimately, this condition can cause your teeth to loosen and, in some cases, could lead to tooth loss. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control, 47.2% of adults aged 30 years and older have some form of periodontal disease while 70.1% of adults over 65 years have periodontal disease. 

In this article, we will take a look at some of the symptoms of periodontal disease and a few of the ways you can prevent it.

What Are the Symptoms of Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease occurs in stages. In its earlier stages, you will experience symptoms of gingivitis. This is when the gums become swollen and red, and gum bleeding occurs. If not treated in due time, this condition can lead to periodontal disease. 

The symptoms of periodontal disease include:

• Sensitive teeth
• Swollen or bleeding gums
• Bad breath
• Loose or shifting teeth
• Pain when chewing
• Pus formation between teeth and gums
• Changes in the way your teeth look and the way they feel

How to Prevent Periodontal Disease?

You can prevent gingivitis from turning into a full-blown periodontal condition by maintaining good oral hygiene. 

To do this, you should brush your teeth twice a day, floss regularly, and use mouthwash. Doing so helps prevent harmful bacteria from piling up in your mouth. 

Another important step for keeping periodontal disease at bay is to visit a dentist once or twice a year to get a general checkup and to get a complete cleaning done. Professional cleaning helps eliminate excessive plaque and tartar build-ups in your mouth that are not removed during normal brushing and flossing.

Periodontal disease can compromise your oral health and leave you susceptible to potentially serious illnesses. To prevent this, our dentists recommend that you schedule a dental appointment as soon as you notice any of the symptoms above.

With decades of experience and thousands of happy patients, Dr. Steven H. Brenman offers the best care for all your oral health needs. To get in touch and schedule an appointment, call (718) 4474510, or visit us at 1311 Bay Street, Staten Island, NY 10305.