Periodontal disease is one of the most common oral health issues, affecting up to 50% of people over the age of 60. But what are the severe implications of this condition? In this article, we’ll explore some of the most serious complications that can arise from periodontal disease, and what you can do to avoid them.
What is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory condition of the gums and bone around your teeth. It can be caused by infection, stress, and oral hygiene problems. If left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss.
There are severe implications of periodontal disease that you may not have considered. Here are five:
1. Periodontal disease increases your risk of heart disease. Periodontitis is a risk factor for heart disease, and gum disease increases your risk of stroke by decreasing blood flow to the brain.
2. Periodontal disease can cause permanent nerve damage. When periodontitis destroys the protective covering of nerves in the mouth, it can cause pain, numbness, and difficulty speaking or swallowing.
3. Periodontal disease can worsen diabetes symptoms. Diabetes is a condition in which your blood sugar levels are too high because your body doesn’t properly use insulin. Gum disease is a major risk factor for developing diabetes, and periodontitis can lead to tooth loss and increased need for oral care which can further complicate diabetes care.
The Root Cause of Periodontal Disease
There are severe implications of periodontal disease than you think. In fact, according to the American Dental Association, periodontal disease is the most common oral health problem in the United States and can lead to tooth loss. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 29 million people in the U.S. have chronic periodontitis, which is an advanced form of periodontal disease.
Here are some of the consequences of having chronic periodontitis:
- Tooth loss
- Gums that recede and pull away from teeth
- Poor chewing and eating habits
- Difficulty speaking because of strained gums.
The Different Types of Periodontal Disease
There are many different types of periodontal disease. Some of the most common include: gingivitis, periodontitis, and pocket depth. Gingivitis is an infection of the gums that generally only affects young children. Periodontitis is an infection that progresses to periodontal disease, which is a serious problem where the supporting bone around your teeth becomes worn down and can eventually lead to tooth loss. Pocket depth is a measure of how deep the pockets of bacteria are within the gum tissue. The deeper the pockets, the more severe the periodontal disease.
Periodontal disease can have a serious impact on your overall health. It can cause pain and swelling in your gums, as well as difficulty chewing and swallowing. If left untreated, periodontal disease can also lead to other dental problems, such as tooth loss. If you are worried about your oral health, schedule an appointment with your dentist to discuss your options for treatment.
Symptoms of periodontal disease
There are many signs and symptoms of periodontal disease, but some are more severe than others.
Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection of the gums that can lead to tooth loss. Although plaque and calculus are the most common causes of gingivitis (the precursor to periodontal disease), there are other factors that can contribute, including hereditary factors and certain lifestyle habits.
When left untreated, periodontal disease can progress to advanced stages, which can cause significant pain in the teeth and surrounding areas, as well as increased risks for other oral health problems. Here are some of the more common signs and symptoms of periodontal disease:
- Toothache or pain when biting or chewing
- Gums that appear red, swollen, or tender
- Swelling or redness around the teeth
- Losing teeth or having them removed prematurely
- Difficulty eating or drinking because of tooth pain
- Poor oral hygiene habits that cause plaque build-up
- Unpleasant breath odor
- Yellowing or browning of the teeth.
How to treat periodontal disease?
There are severe implications of periodontal disease than you think. In fact, many people don’t even know that it is a big problem until it becomes too late.
If left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss, difficulty chewing and speaking, and even heart problems. Here are four things you need to know about this common dental condition:
1. Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults
2. It is also the main cause of toothache
3. It can lead to abscesses and fistulas in the jaw
4. It can also cause inflammation of the gums and surrounding tissues
Prevention of periodontal disease
There are severe implications of periodontal disease than you think. If left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to significant health complications such as tooth loss, heart disease, and even death. In fact, periodontal disease is the most common bacterial infection in the United States, affecting nearly 50 million people.
Fortunately, there are several effective methods for prevention of periodontal disease. First and foremost, make sure to brush and floss regularly. This will help remove plaque and bacteria from your teeth and gums. Additionally, avocados are a great source of magnesium which has been shown to help prevent periodontal disease. Not only that, but avocados also contain healthy fats that promote oral health. Lastly, drink plenty of water to keep your mouth clean and hydrated. All of these measures can help protect your oral health and prevent periodontal disease from developing in the first place.
Conclusion
Periodontal disease is a problem that affects millions of people around the world, and it’s not going away anytime soon. In fact, it’s predicted that by 2050, periodontal disease will be the second leading cause of death worldwide (after heart disease). If you’re one of those people who worries about getting teeth removed because of gum problems, read on to learn more about the severe implications of periodontal disease.