Also known as gum disease, periodontal disease or periodontitis affects the connective tissue that links the teeth to the bone, its main symptom being progressive bone loss. Left untreated, periodontitis leads eventually to the loss of the teeth.

This disease is characterized by massive bacteria growths located either between the teeth or along the gum line. In severe cases, teeth start to become loose, the ultimate consequence being their loss. About 50% of all people over 30 years of age suffer from a mild form of periodontal disease.

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A person with gingivitisMost of the conditions that affect gums and tissues surrounding the teeth are termed as periodontitis.  Periodontal diseases cause inflammation around the teeth, and sometimes lead to loss of natural teeth. This condition is mainly caused by bacteria that eat away gums and tissues. The condition can be slowed down by flossing and brushing teeth regularly. It is also advisable that you visit a dentist regularly for specialized help in treating the conditions.

Discussed below are some reasons why you should avoid periodontal disease.

  1. Leads to loss of natural teeth:  Bacteria eats away gums and tissues that hold teeth together, leading to loss of natural teeth.  This condition is widespread on persons suffering from anemia too.
  2. Severe Tooth ache and anemic conditions:  As long as the teeth are exposed, the patient is bound to experience regular tooth aches and headaches too.
  3. Damages blood vessels:  Heavy presence of these bacteria forces the body to over-react on the bacterial and tissues around causing increased inflammation.  The compound produced during inflammation starts corroding blood vessels within the mouth towards the heart, causing more problems. This may even limit amount of blood getting to the brain or back to the heart.
  4. Stroke: Stroke is mainly caused when the heart doesn’t receive enough oxygen to facilitate respiration for energy production. This condition is as a result of damaged blood vessels due to increased inflammation due to periodontal diseases.
  5. Diabetes and Arthritis:  Medical researchers have linked periodontal and mouth related infections with diabetes. Most of the patients who suffer from gum inflammation have been diagnosed with diabetes or arthritis later on in their lives.

With these not being enough, persons suffering from periodontal diseases have very poor oral hygiene and foul breath. In addition to this, their immunity levels deteriorate with time, making it a hard task to fight most infections.

You can however counter all these by visiting a dentist regularly. Call Island Dental today for a complete periodontal exam: (516) 565-6565.

Periodontal disease is never easy on the individual suffering from it. Many patients complain about issues with their gums and the damage is often extensive. It is essential to remain on top of these matters before they get out of hand and become very difficult to control. Dentists always make specific suggestions to patients that are aiming to ensure they never get hit with periodontal disease. Let’s take a look at some of the tips one can employ in order to make sure they do not suffer with this particular issue.

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A man and woman  with diabetesAt Island Dental Associates we want all of our patients to practice good oral hygiene so that they avoid the complications that can arise due to periodontal disease. However, keeping your teeth and gums healthy is especially important if you are diabetic.

If you have diabetes, it is essential that you practice good dental hygiene. Diabetics have a higher risk of periodontal disease. Other dental issues are also more common in diabetics. Good dental hygiene can help you common dental problems like cavities, gum disease, and thrush. Regular check-ups are also recommended.

If you have diabetes, you need to practice proper dental hygiene. Diabetics are at a higher risk for gum disease and other mouth infections. Periodontal disease is damaging to gums and bones and can lead to painful chewing problems. Periodontal disease causes people to lose teeth. This disease of the gums can also make your glucose levels change which is why you should care for your mouth and see a dentist on a regular basis.

Here are some things we recommend you do to keep your teeth and gums as healthy as possible…

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Elderly coupleFor many years medical doctors and dentists have been trying to make the public more aware of the causal connection between oral hygiene and periodontal disease and systemic diseases such as: heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, as well as a host of inflammatory ailments.

Now, a new study from the University of Central Lancashire School of Medicine and Dentistry, has found a possible link between gum disease, Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

From an article found in The International News online…

Although past studies have suggested a link between oral health and dementia, this is the first to pinpoint a specific gum disease bacteria in the brain. Researchers looked at donated brain samples of 10 people without dementia and 10 people with dementia.They Antimalware Service Executable found the bacteria Porphyromonas gingivalis in the brains of four of those with dementia. This bacteria may play a role in changes in the brain in Alzheimer’s disease, contributing to symptoms including confusion and failing memory.

Read the entire article here…

Now that you know just how important it is to take care of your teeth why not call us to make an appointment for you next dental visit?  Call us today at (516) 565-6565.