Periodontitis is a disease of the gums that affects both young and old adults. Even though this oral disease is more prevalent in older adults, 47.2% of people over 30 are affected by it. Furthermore, it may be silent or painless, which means that you may not be aware of it right away.

The good news is that periodontal disease can be prevented and treated. Are you interested in learning more about this common oral health issue and what you can do to prevent it? Keep reading to learn more!

What causes periodontal disease?

Periodontitis, or gum disease, is often caused by poor oral hygiene. In fact, the mouth is home to the second-most diverse microbial community in the body. It contains, at the very least, 700 different species of bacteria. Plaque is the result of many of these microorganisms.

Plaque is a clear, sticky substance that constantly forms on the teeth. After meals, oral bacteria are even more active in creating plaque. The reason for this is that they feed on leftovers as well as sugar and starches.

All of these factors emphasize the importance of brushing and flossing after each meal. There are, however, some individuals who are more susceptible to, or are at a higher risk of developing, periodontitis.

What role does age play in periodontal disease?

Periodontitis is more common among older adults, affecting 70% of those over 65. Consequently, seniors are more likely to suffer from tooth loss.

Scientists believe that gums break down faster with age. Aged gums also appear to be more prone to inflammation. Furthermore, aging slows the body’s ability to heal wounds, such as those in the gums.

Aside from older people, who is most likely to suffer from periodontitis?

Besides poor oral hygiene, smoking tobacco also increases the risk of periodontitis. According to research, women between the ages of 20 and 39 who smoke are twice as likely to develop periodontal disease. There are 15.6% of smokers in the general population who suffer from gum disease, as opposed to 4.9% of non-smokers. As a result, smoking is the leading modifiable risk factor for gum diseases.

Genes may also play a role in periodontitis. Researchers found that dozens of genes contribute to gum disease risk. Stress and poor eating habits can also raise the risk of periodontitis.

Can periodontal disease be cured?

The answer is yes! However, early detection and treatment are of utmost importance here. Periodontitis is most reversible in its early stages. Those with gene-related risk factors are affected. For this reason, dental professionals want to know their patients’ medical and family histories.

This knowledge allows dentists to monitor at-risk patients actively. As a result, early intervention and prevention can be implemented.

What are the treatment options for periodontitis?

Early detection of periodontitis increases the chances of reversibility. Surgical treatment may not even be necessary if your periodontist in 20602 catches it early. If this is the case, your oral healthcare provider may only need to perform scaling and root planing.

Modern ultrasonic scalers allow for a more thorough deep cleaning of the teeth and gums. In turn, this removes a greater amount of plaque than regular brushing and flossing. As long as you maintain good oral hygiene at home, your gums will be able to recover and heal. Additionally, the cleaner your pearly whites are, the less likely you are to experience a recurrence of gum disease.

Keeping your mouth healthy will reduce your chances of developing periodontitis.

Even younger people can develop periodontitis, although it is more common in older adults. If your gums bleed, you shouldn’t panic, but you should be concerned.

If you notice any signs of periodontal disease, consult your dentist right away. By doing this, your dentist has a better chance of reversing the damage. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact our periodontics office in Waldorf, MD.

More and more research is surfacing about gum disease, making prevention more critical than ever. The term “gum disease” refers to an infection of the gum tissue and surrounding bones. The gum disease, gingivitis, affects only the gums.

A more severe form of gum disease, periodontitis, affects both the gums and the bones that support your teeth. There is a link between gum disease and serious conditions like heart disease and stroke. Most people don’t realize they have gum disease until it’s too late, so it’s important to take extra precautions.

You can prevent gum disease by following these six tips.

1. Maintain good oral hygiene

Although it may seem obvious, good oral hygiene is essential for maintaining healthy gums. When it comes to gum disease, brushing your teeth is not sufficient. Our periodontist in Alexandria agrees that flossing should be incorporated into your daily routine to prevent plaque from building up on your teeth and damaging your gums. You may also benefit from using an antimicrobial mouthwash that contains little to no alcohol.

2. Increasing your intake of vitamin C

Gum disease has been linked to vitamin C deficiencies. Increasing your intake of vitamin C will not only help prevent gum disease from developing, but it can also treat and, in some cases, cure it. In addition to its healing properties, vitamin C is also capable of stabilizing loosened teeth and preventing gum swelling and receding.

3. Follow a healthy diet

Maintaining a healthy diet is one of the best ways to prevent gum disease. You should avoid sugary foods and drinks since they can cause tooth decay and gum disease. It is important to eat a balanced and nutritious diet that is rich in vitamins and minerals, as this will boost your immunity and help prevent many diseases, including gum disease.

4. Make sure you stay hydrated.

Hydration is essential for preventing gum disease and promoting overall health. Water helps produce more saliva, which helps fight off bacteria that can cause gum infection.

5. Give up smoking

Smoking cigarettes and using tobacco products can lead to countless health problems, including gum disease. The use of tobacco products can cause serious damage to your gum tissues, so you should avoid them at all costs.

6. Be sure to see your dentist on a regular basis.

The importance of visiting your dentist regularly cannot be overstated. In order to prevent gum disease, it is advisable to have your teeth professionally cleaned on a regular basis. It is also important to visit your dentist regularly to ensure there are no warning signs of gum disease or other dental problems.

In addition to harming your oral health, gum disease can also have a detrimental effect on your overall health. Taking the above recommendations into consideration will lower your risk of developing gum disease. If you would like more information or tips regarding the prevention of gum disease, please contact our periodontics office in Alexandria, VA to schedule an appointment.