Periodontal disease begins as a mild inflammation of gums due to inadequate oral hygiene and progresses onto bleeding, swelling and pocket formation in its initial stages. Our specialists at Wilmington can help you stop the progression but if it isn’t intercepted with good oral health practices, the disease will further progress onto deepening of pockets, gingival recession and eventually tooth mobility. The bacterial load will increase with time which may also cause bad breath and tooth pain. It is important to determine if you’re at an increased risk of periodontal disease, as it will give you an insight if you need to take precautionary measures to avoid getting periodontal disease. A few indications which will help you assess your risk are the following:
Age:
- As you get older, the risk of periodontal disease increases, with studies showing that up to 70% of people over the age of 60 have periodontitis.
Habits:
- Infrequent brushing or improper brushing techniques
- Frequent use of sugary drinks, food
Stress:
- Stress amounts to the body being unable to fight off bacterial infections which leads to more bacteria buildup in the gum pockets formed.
Medication
– Drugs such as contraceptives, certain hormonal medication, anti-depressants affect your oral health to various degrees
Smoking
– Smokers have a larger bacterial colony of disease causing bacteria which in turn leads to an
accumulation of plaque biofilm
Family history
– People with periodontal disease in the family may have genetics which put them at a greater risk
Systemic diseases
– Diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, respiratory diseases, arteriosclerosis all follow a bi-directional relationship to various degrees. They increase the cytokines production and are dangerous indications that put you at a greater risk.
Prevention
Timely prevention can go a long way. At Wilmington Periodontics and Implants, we can help you stop the progression of disease by doing routine scalings, root planings and scheduling timely visits to help you fight against gum diseases and lower your risk of developing oral illness.
