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Something to Smile About
Caring for your oral health includes regular teeth care and
gum care. Neglecting your gums can eventually lead to periodontal
disease, also known as gum disease, which is a culprit for
the deterioration of your overall oral health. Periodontal
disease affects 75% of adults over 35 years of age and is responsible
for approximately 70% of all adult tooth loss. Since symptoms
of periodontal disease oftentimes are unnoticeable, people
never realize their mouth is under bacterial attack.
Highly recognized as a greatly progressive disorder, periodontal
disease is triggered by preventable factors like plaque build-up,
tobacco use, certain medications and stress, as well as unpreventable
measures like systemic disease and fluctuating hormone levels
during puberty, pregnancy or menopause. Research proves up
to 30% of the population may be genetically susceptible to
gum disease.
Periodontal disease begins when the bacteria in the sticky
film which forms on the tooth surface, or plaque, causes gum
inflammation. If the irritation is ignored, plaque will release
toxins breaking down the natural fibers which hold your gums
to your teeth, permitting even more bacteria and toxins to
invade. Plaque deposits quickly harden into calculus or tartar,
which is a rough, porous substance not removable with brushing.
Over time, this progression can lead to severe inflammation,
bone loss, gum recession and tooth loss.
 Symptoms
and signs include:
- Red, swollen, tender or bleeding gums
- Gum recession, or gums pulling away from teeth
- Loose or separating teeth
- Pus between the gum and tooth
- Persistent bad breath
- Bite changes
- Change in the fit of partial dentures
If you have noticed any of the above signs or
symptoms, please make an appointment at our Houston dental office promptly! Together, we
can win the battle against periodontal disease and maintain
your wonderful, dazzling smile: gums and all. Now that’s
something to smile about.
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