Periodontal Gum Disease around the Tooth Affects 75% of Population

Periodontal Gum Disease around the Tooth Affects 75% of Population
The word periodontal actually means "around the tooth."
Most victims are unaware that they have this disease
because it is painless, but it affects almost 75 percent of
the population. Periodontal, or gum diseases, including
gingivitis, are serious infections that when left untreated
can lead to tooth loss. Periodontal disease is a chronic
bacterial infection that affects the gums and bone
supporting the teeth.

This disease can affect one tooth or several teeth, and it
typically begins when the bacteria in plaque causes the
gums to become inflamed. The main cause of periodontal
disease is bacterial plaque, a sticky, colorless film that
constantly forms on your teeth. However, the American
Dental Association posts a list of warning signs for
periodontal disease. Here are some common symptoms:

1.Gums bleed when you brush your teeth 2.Gums are red,
swollen and tender 3.Gums have pulled away (receded) from
the teeth. 4.There is puss between teeth and gums when gums
are pressed. 5.Permanent teeth are loose or separating.
6.There is a change in the way teeth fit when biting.
7.Changes in the fit of partial dentures. 8.Persistent bad
breath.

If you have one or more of any of the above warning signs,
you should bring it to the attention of your dentist or
hygienist.

How do people get periodontal disease? According to one
southern California dentist, "There can be a number of
factors; however one reason is because of poor hygiene. If
you don't take care of your teeth and brush and floss them
properly on a daily basis, your teeth and gums suffer. Left
untreated it can lead to loss of teeth," said Dr. Bijan
Afar. "Chronic periodontitis is more prevalent in adults,
resulting in inflammation within the supporting tissues of
the teeth, progressive attachment and bone loss. It is
typically characterized by pocket formations and recession
of the gingival.

There are any number of reasons why people are more prone
to periodontal disease including these factors: Smoking;
genetics, clenching or grinding teeth, pregnancy and
puberty, stress, diabetes, medications, poor nutrition, and
other systemic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, or
other health issues that interfere with the body's immune
system, which often worsens the condition of the gums.
What's more, researchers have found links between obesity
and periodontal disease

Most periodontists will recommend periodontal surgery if
the tissue around your teeth is unhealthy and cannot be
repaired non-surgically. There are basically four different
kinds of treatments that periodontists y prescribe for this
disease. And if it is too late and you have already lost
teeth thanks to periodontal disease, you have an option for
dental implants, a permanent tooth replacement procedure.

Pocket reduction: Regeneration procedures: Crowns: Soft Gum
Tissue Grafts; Pocket Reduction Proceedures; Regenerative
Procedures; Crown Lengthening and Soft Tissue Grafts. If
you've already lost a tooth to periodontal disease, you may
be interested in dental implants - the permanent tooth
replacement option.

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PR professional Kristin Gabriel works with Dr. Bijan Afar,
a Los Angeles periodontist and oral surgeon and owns five
dental clinics, including the Wilshire Dental Clinic. For
more information, visit
http://www.wilshiredentalcare.com or call 323-938-6137.