What Research Tells Us About Periodontal Disease

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 47 percent of adults aged 30 and older have some form of periodontal disease; that rises to about 70 percent of adults over age 65. Gum diseases are linked to overall health as well as oral health, so it is vital to address them.

How Does Periodontal Disease Start?

Our mouths contain various types of bacteria. They can help sanitize the mouth and break down food particles; but too much can lead to periodontal disease, also known as gum disease. This can be dangerous to oral health because it not only attacks the gums; it can affect the teeth and jaw.

When bacteria collect in the mouth, they create a gummy, colorless substance known as plaque that sticks to your teeth. If the plaque is not removed during brushing and flossing, the particles can harden and turn into tartar. Over time, plaque and tartar become more difficult to remove at home. Therefore, a professional cleaning on a regular schedule can help prevent periodontal disease as well as tooth decay.

Why Treat Periodontal Disease Early

The longer the plaque and tartar remain on the teeth, the more harm they can cause your overall oral health. Eventually, they will inflame gum tissue, a condition known as gingivitis. While this is the mildest form of periodontal disease, it can progress to affect the soft tissue (gums) and the tooth. If it is not addressed, this condition can cause teeth to loosen or fall out. Periodontal disease is broken up into four stages: gingivitis, slight periodontal disease, moderate periodontal disease, and advanced periodontal disease.

What the Latest Gum Disease Research Shows Us

Having periodontal disease can affect your overall bodily health. Many studies show connections between gum disease, diabetes, heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and dementia. Some studies have found a link between gum health and osteoporosis. This progressive bone-thinning disease, most common in small white and Asian women, can weaken jaw bones, making the effects of periodontal disease more pronounced.

Our Waldorf periodontist has solutions aimed at helping you prevent and treat the underlying causes of gum disease. Routine cleanings and periodontal screenings go a long way toward preventing gum disease and stopping its progression. If you have sore, red, or bleeding gums, make an appointment with our periodontist in Waldorf as soon as possible.

We offer targeted treatments that include cleaning the pockets around teeth to prevent damage to surrounding bone. In some cases, antibiotic therapy can be used. You will work with our doctor to find the best course of treatment for you.

Contact our periodontist in Waldorf to schedule your next visit today, and protect your smile from periodontal disease.

Karl A. Smith, DDS, MS
Phone: (703) 894-4867
Url: https://drkarlsmith.com/
2500 N. Van Dorn St., Suite 128
Alexandria, VA 22302

Karl A. Smith, DDS, MS
Phone: (301) 638-4867
Url: https://drkarlsmith.com/
601 Post Office Rd., Suite 1-B
Waldorf, MD 60423

About half of all children suffer from some form of periodontal disease, a bacterial infection in the gums, according to studies published in the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. If it is left untreated, it can harm the teeth and jaw, especially in adulthood. Fortunately, if this condition is caught early enough and properly treated, its effects can be managed and even reversed.

Several factors can lead to the onset of periodontal disease in children. These include poor oral hygiene and untreated plaque. Diet, diabetes, hormonal changes, and even genetic predisposition can also increase your child’s risk.

Your child should be screened for periodontal disease if their gums are:

• Red
• Sore
• Swollen
• Bleeding from brushing and/or flossing

Periodontal disease in children should not be ignored. If left unchecked, it can cause your child’s gums to pull away from the teeth, affecting the structure of the bone beneath and potentially impacting their jaw alignment and bite. Over time, bone and tooth loss can occur.

This condition is preventable and highly treatable when it is caught early. Regular cleaning at home and examinations in our Alexandria periodontal office will help keep your child’s teeth and gums healthy. It is up to you to teach your child about the importance of daily oral hygiene. Have them brush with fluoride toothpaste two minutes twice a day, including all tooth surfaces and the gumline.  

Flossing is also critical. Ideally, your child should floss twice a day or after meals, but once per day will suffice. You, as a parent, will most likely have to help your child thread the floss and use it properly. Our periodontist in Alexandria is more than happy to show you and your child the proper way to floss.

Diet is also important. Always make healthy foods readily available. Emphasize fresh fruit and vegetables for the entire family and limit foods that are high in starch, sugar, and acid. That includes soda, sports drinks, and juices. Encourage your child to drink water or rinse after consuming sweet foods and beverages. 

If periodontal disease has begun, it is not too late to treat or even reverse it. Deep cleaning treatments can help remove plaque and tartar under the gumline. In some cases, antibiotics may be applied to the affected area or taken in pill form. In advanced cases, surgical cleaning can remove infected areas under the gum and restore gum structure.

Our periodontist in Alexandria can examine your child’s teeth and gums in a gentle, positive manner and make the best treatment recommendation. If you suspect your child has sore, bleeding, or inflamed gums, please contact our office right away, or schedule a routine periodontal screening today.

Karl A. Smith, DDS, MS
Phone: (703) 894-4867
Url: https://drkarlsmith.com/
2500 N. Van Dorn St., Suite 128
Alexandria, VA 22302

Karl A. Smith, DDS, MS
Phone: (301) 638-4867
Url: https://drkarlsmith.com/
601 Post Office Rd., Suite 1-B
Waldorf , MD 60423