Did you know that 47.2% of adults aged 30 years and older have some form of periodontal disease?! Let that sink in for a second. What’s more, this percentage increases to 70.1% for adults 65 years and older.

Those are not the kind of statistics we like to see — and it’s one of the reasons we’re so passionate about prioritizing oral health for our patients at SMILE Advanced Dental Center.

We often refer to periodontal disease as a “silent menace,” because you may not even realize you have it — especially in its early stages. This is when it’s MOST important to catch and treat it to avoid potentially serious health implications.

What is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is inflammation or infections of the gums and bone that surround and support the teeth. It’s primarily caused by the bacteria in plaque, which hardens into tartar. This build-up on the teeth becomes difficult to clean without the help of a dental health professional — and thus can begin irritating the gum tissue.

In the early stages of periodontal disease, called gingivitis, gums generally become red, tender, and swollen; they may also bleed. If not treated, gingivitis can progress into periodontitis. When this occurs, the gums may pull away from the tooth and bone loss can occur. In the most advanced stages, teeth may loosen or fall out.

But it’s not only your teeth that can be impacted by periodontal disease. While your gums help keep you safe from bacteria in your mouth, they also serve as a gateway to the rest of your body. When the gums become compromised, there’s a higher risk factor for other health complications, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, respiratory infections, and more.

Guarding Against Gum Disease 

While periodontal disease can be serious business, the good news is that it is highly preventable and reversible — especially when caught early.

There are two main ways to prevent and manage gum disease:

1. Good oral hygiene: Make sure to brush and floss every day. At SMILE Advanced Dental Center, we cannot stress this enough! When you are caring for your teeth in this way, you help consistently remove the bacteria that can build up and eventually cause gum disease.

1. Regular checkups: If you’ve been lax on your six-month professional dental cleaning and exams, it’s time to get back into the routine. These checkups are one of the most important preventative treatments you can do for your smile. Not only do they guard against periodontal disease, but they can also help identify and treat any other dental issues that may arise.

It’s also important to know if you’re at a higher risk for periodontal disease due to certain factors, including smoking, diabetes, heredity, taking medications that cause dry mouth, defective fillings, and even crooked teeth (because it’s harder to brush them effectively and remove bacteria).

If you have one or more of these risk factors, you’ll want to be even more attuned to your oral hygiene and scheduling regular dental checkups.

Know the Warning Signs

While periodontal disease can indeed be a silent menace, there are some signs that can also pop up and wave the warning flag. 

Red or swollen gums are one of the most common early signs that something may be awry. Bleeding or tender gums can also be an indicator, especially if you’ve ruled out other possible causes. Other signs include teeth sensitivity or pain, loose teeth, and any changes to your bite. 

If you’re experiencing any of these conditions, it’s time to see your dentist.

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We’re here to keep your smile bright and healthy — and fight this silent menace together! Contact us with any concerns or questions and make sure you have your six-month dental cleaning and exam on the books.