Periodontal Disease Prevention

Did you know that periodontal (gum) disease impacts over half of adults over 30? It is also the number one cause of tooth loss for American adults. 

Periodontal disease is an infection of your gum and teeth’s supporting structures that can impact your smile health if you’re not proactive about treatment. Here’s what you should know to protect yourself from this prevalent problem.

The Oral Systemic Connection

We’ve learned from science that there is a clear connection between gum disease and other chronic health concerns, like:

  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Diabetes
  • Complications during pregnancy
  • Dementia
  • High blood pressure
  • Stroke

We now understand that the bacteria that causes gum disease can enter the bloodstream and travel to other areas of the body. There it can contribute to the inflammation that causes these other concerns and vice versa.

Protecting yourself against gum disease also means protecting your overall health.

What Is Gum Disease?

Gum disease occurs when plaque and bacteria build up and irritate your gum tissue. Eventually, it moves below the gumline and begins to attack the bone that supports your teeth. When that happens, your teeth become mobile, resulting in tooth loss.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease where you may notice these symptoms:

  • Red, swollen, and irritated gums
  • Gums that bleed during brushing and flossing
  • Chronic bad breath you can’t get rid of

If you notice these symptoms, contact your TPC Dental Care team immediately. Scheduling a preventive teeth cleaning and checkup may be the difference between treating gingivitis and dealing with advanced gum disease. In addition, patients who can successfully manage their gingivitis may be able to reverse their condition.

Periodontitis

Advanced gum disease is called periodontitis. In this stage of gum disease, you may notice pain and tenderness when chewing, tooth mobility, and a foul taste in your mouth.

Treatment for this stage of gum disease could include antibiotic therapy, a deep cleaning called scaling and root planing, or surgery for severe cases.

If you need gum disease treatment in San Antonio, your TPC Dental Care team has you covered!

Your Best Defense Against Gum Disease

Routine visits with Dr. Pascal every six months for a teeth cleaning and examination are the best way you can protect yourself from developing gum disease.

We’ll screen you for problems like gum disease and tooth decay during every examination, so Dr. Pascal can detect it as early as possible, which gives you the best chance of treating it and possibly reversing your condition.

During a teeth cleaning, our hygienist removes the plaque and bacteria that contribute to causing gum disease, so your oral health can remain problem-free.

Contact Your TPC Dental Care Team

If it’s time for your next teeth cleaning and checkup, book your appointment online or call us at (210) 497-4847.