307-789-5608 One of the most prevalent diseases we treat in our office is periodontal disease. Because this disorder can do so much destruction to your teeth and gums, you should know what causes it and how to avoid it.
Gum disease, also called pyorrhea and periodontal disease, is an infection of the gums that causes harm to and threatens your pearly whites when left untreated. The words “periodontal disease” can apply to different levels of the disease, like gingivitis, periodontitis, aggressive periodontitis and chronic periodontitis.
The effects of periodontal disease might differ depending on the severity of the infection. In gingivitis, the gums may bleed and be uncomfortable. In periodontitis, infection and subsequent inflammation of the gums will cause acids-filled sacks to develop around the pearly whites and gums. These pockets of bacteria can break down and weaken the chompers, gums and bones.
And gum disease can reach past just the mouth. Some studies have found correlations between periodontal disease and heart disease, diabetes, premature birth, rheumatoid arthritis, and dementia. These links are perhaps caused by bacteria from the infected gums traveling into the bloodstream and critical organs. Inflammation in periodontal disease may also be responsible for some of the links to other diseases.
By doing the straightforward things like eating foods lower in sugar, brushing twice a day and flossing once daily, you can lessen your risk of developing periodontal disease. To keep your teeth robust and gum-disease-free, please set up your next checkup with our Wyoming Dental Specialties office in Evanston, Wyoming, by calling 307-789-5608 today.