Millions of people’s teeth and gums are the victims of periodontal disease without them even being aware they have it; are you one of those unsuspecting millions? Commonly known as gum disease, periodontal disease infects the tissues in which your teeth are embedded. Bacteria that live in your mouth form the plaque that causes the disease. Even though flossing and brushing your teeth will eliminate most plaque, some still remains. The remaining plaque hardens into tartar. It is when this tartar forms under the gum line that the gums are in danger of infections which lead to gum disease. Visit orthodontics sydney to learn more about dentistry.

But this unhealthy condition is preventable with proper care. The Pennsylvania Dental Association has long informed the public about the need to keep teeth and gums healthy. There are two stages in periodontal disease: gingivitis and periodontitis. Stage one of early periodontal disease occurs when inflammation is caused by harmful bacteria that make a comfy home between gums and teeth. It is within this initial phase that flossing and regular brushing can refute the condition altogether. Periodontitis occurs when gingivitis continues undeterred. Periodontitis is the more advanced stage of periodontal disease. Periodontitis damages gums, surrounding bones and the teeth. Once this damage is inflicted, it is irreversible.

Periodontitis is more serious because the tissue that holds the teeth to the bone is destroyed, causing tooth roots to be exposed and increasing decay, inflammation and receding gums, resulting in possible tooth loss. Many factors, such as tobacco use, can also lead to an increased chance of one eventually developing periodontal disease. Oral contaceptives, particular systemic diseases including diabetes, certain kinds of prescription drugs, including anti-seizure medications and steriods, chemotherapy drugs, and calcium channel blockers are all potential contributors to the development of gum disease. Other risk factors can be pregnancy, fillings that no longer fit or are cracked, crooked teeth or ill-fitting bridgework.

As pointed out by an expert of general dentistry and reported in research, coronary artery disease is twice as likely to develop in people with gum disease. The researchers theorize that bacteria from the mouth hitch a ride in the bloodstream, attaching to the heart’s blood vessels via fatty plaques and causing dangerous, damaging clots to form. The following tips will help you maintain optimal dental health and prevent periodontal disease. Twice a day, make sure you brush and floss your teeth. There are areas in the mouth where a toothbrush can’t reach; removing plaque and food particles left behind by the toothbrush can be accomplished by flossing. Thank you for reading about temporomandibular joint disorder and dentistry.

When your toothbrush is no longer effective, and the bristles are in poor shape, it is time to buy a new one. The use of antibacterial mouthwash and toothpaste with fluoride are two additional ways to help control tooth decay. Your diet should be well-balanced. Vary your diet, selecting foods rich in nutrients from the five main food groups. Each day eat an assortment of fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy, poultry and meat. Even more important is visiting your dentist twice a year for your oral health checkups and a professional cleaning.

If you think you may have symptoms of periodontal disease, you should contact your dentist immediately. To recognize the symptoms of periodontal disease, be on the look out for changes in your gums such as redness, swelling, frequent bleeding, receding, bad breath or bad taste in the mouth, teeth becoming loose, change in bite pattern from misaligned teeth, any pus or discharge coming from the gums between the teeth when gums are pressed on, or any changes in the way your partial dentures may fit.

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