Periodontal disease affects gums, bone and the other adjacent tissue in the mouth that gives support to the teeth. Although 90% of adults in the UK will suffer some gum disease at some point in their lives, only around 10% of those will develop the more serious periodontitis. Caused by bacteria collecting in the mouth, periodontal disease attacks the tissue of the gums and is one of the leading causes of tooth loss.
There are several risk factors that affect how likely someone is to suffer from periodontal disease. Stress, family history and smoking are all high risk factors and general health disease like diabetes may make you more susceptible also. The common signs of periodontal disease are gums that bleed and look inflamed. In some cases you may notice a drifting or mobility of the teeth but it is possible to have the disease and not notice any of the symptoms. This is just one of the reasons why it is important to keep up regular check up appointments with a Kirby dentist.
Your dentist will be able to carry out a thorough check for the signs and symptoms of gum disease, including taking x-rays. If you are suffering then they will carry out a thorough clean of your teeth to remove as much bacteria as possible. They may also have to treat the inflamed areas of the gums. In some severe cases it may be necessary to undergo a course of antibiotics and even possible tissue removal.
The key to avoiding periodontal disease is effective teeth cleaning. Good brushing and flossing on a regular basis, as well as the watchful eye of a Kirby dentist will help to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
Diabetes affects thousands of people in the UK each year and if you are one of them you may know that diabetes can affect your nerves, kidneys and heart but you may not have been told how it can affect your teeth. Diabetes can have very negative effects on your oral health because it lowers your resistance to infection and also slows recovery time.