Did you know that over 80% of the adult population experience some variation or level of gum disease? With periodontal disease, or gum disease, being so common and risky, it is extremely important to have a good understanding of the condition yet many people do not.
What is gum disease?
Periodontal diseases affect the gums and surrounding tissues of the teeth. There are mild cases and cases that are severe. Inflammation and premature stages of gingivitis would fall under the category of mild, while some suffer from the more severe cases that incur bone erosion and tooth loss. When it comes to knowledge about gum disease, there are various facts that you may be unaware of.
- Gum disease is “silent”
Because early symptoms of gum disease often go unnoticed, less than 60% of people with the disease don’t even realize they have it. Often, gum disease is only detected in the later stages of the disease when the symptoms are more severe. It is for this reason that it is so important to regularly visit your Irving dentist and ensure your oral health is in check and catch any symptoms of oral conditions in the early stages. - Gum disease doesn’t only occur in the elderly
Many people think that gum disease only occurs in the elderly. In reality, anyone can get the disease, even children. - Your risk for gum disease increases if you smoke or have diabetes
While there are various causes of gum disease, your risk goes up if you are a smoker or have diabetes. - Chronic bad breath is a symptom of gum disease
While bad breath in the mornings and after eating onion or garlic is normal, having chronic bad breath consistently could be a sign of gum disease. - If your gums are bleeding persistently, it isn’t normal
While a very small amount of blood after a few weeks of not flossing may be normal, persistent bleeding of the gums when brushing and flossing is not. - Gum disease is linked to other serious health conditions
Gum disease is also linked with other serious health conditions such as Alzheimer’s, heart disease, and stroke. - Gum disease is potentially hereditary
According to research via the American Academy of Periodontology, genetics can determine your risk for gum disease. Regardless of how well you care for your mouth, if gum disease runs in your family you may be at risk. - Loss of teeth correlates with life expectancy
It has been found that the more missing teeth someone has the shorter their life may be. A study found that people with or more than 20 natural teeth at the age of 70 had a higher life expectancy than those who had less than 20 natural teeth left.
Taking care of your teeth and mouth means engaging in daily oral habits like brushing and flossing. If you practice good oral health care, your risk for gum disease is considerably lower. A very important part of good oral care means regularly seeing your dentist for checkups and cleanings. If you are looking for a trusted and experienced dentist in Irving, here at Cosmetic and Family Dentistry, we can help. Call us today to schedule an appointment.
