Did you know that about half of American adults ages 30 and older have periodontitis? Do you even know what periodontitis is? If not, you’re not alone. In fact, February has been named National Gum Disease Awareness Month to help people become more conscious of this common oral health issue and its effect on your body. Check out this helpful information about this condition, its signs, and gum disease treatment in Downtown Portland.
Gum Disease
Also called periodontal disease, gum disease is an inflammatory condition in the gums. As plaque—the white, sticky substance that houses harmful bacteria—builds up along the gum line and between teeth, bacteria produce toxins that irritate the gums. Early on, this is called gingivitis. As the disease progresses to periodontitis, the more advanced form of gum disease, it causes separation between the gums and teeth, forming pockets for more plaque and food particles to accumulate. Then the untreated infection spreads to teeth’s supporting bone and tissue, causing permanent damage and eventually leading to tooth loss.
Signs of Gum Disease
So how do you know if you have gum disease? Well, here are some common symptoms to look out for:
- Red, swollen, and sensitive gums.
- Bleeding gums.
- Constant bad breath.
- Receding gums.
- Pus in between teeth.
- Changes in your bite.
- Loose permanent teeth.
If you experience any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with your dentist in Downtown Portland. They can help you determine whether gum disease is the culprit and get you the treatment you need to overcome it.
Gum Disease’s Effect on Overall Health
Gum disease’s influence doesn’t end in your mouth. In fact, many medical conditions have been linked to gum disease, including heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, and possibly Alzheimer’s, just to name a few. Let’s focus primarily on the connection with heart disease. Studies have found that those with gum disease increase their risk of heart disease by 20 percent, and patients who have heart disease paired with poor oral health paid more for cardiovascular care than those with good oral health.
Although research hasn’t found conclusive gum disease’s direct causation with these medical conditions, there are several theories about how gum disease could cause them. One states that when the gums bleed, the harmful bacteria can enter the blood stream and spread throughout the body, causing inflammation and infection elsewhere.
Gum disease is a condition that you need to be aware of so that you can actively try to avoid it and treat it. If you think you are one of the millions of adults in America who have gum disease, contact your dentist in Downtown Portland for an appointment. Through treatment, you can regain your oral health and keep your natural, happy, and healthy smile for years to come.
About the Practice
At RiverPlace Dental, Dr. Megan Block and her staff have years of dental experience, enabling them to help patients with any dental problem. They provide a spa-like environment and perform only the treatment that is necessary to preserve their patients’ oral health. To contact them for an appointment, you can call (503) 761-1414 or click here.