According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, periodontal (gum) disease affects 47.2% of American adults. Roughly one in every two adults will develop this non-curable disease. Gum disease plagues healthy gum tissue and destroys the health of your mouth. Many patients are surprised to discover that periodontal disease negatively affects overall health, as well as oral health. The disease has been linked to diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Periodontics includes the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of this undesirable disease. Philadelphia general dentist, Dr. Len Tau helps patients manage their symptoms of gum disease to minimize damage, as well as educates patients on the warning signs of periodontal disease.
All About Gum Disease
Periodontal disease presents itself in two forms: gingivitis and periodontitis. The lesser form of this disease (gingivitis) often results in redness, swelling, and tenderness. Gingivitis can also cause:
- Frequent bleeding when brushing teeth
- Tooth sensitivity
- Loose teeth
- Pain when chewing
- Chronic bad breath
If you suffer from any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with Dr. Tau today. He will perform a full examination of your mouth and determine the best treatment plan for your condition. He will recommend tips on how to prevent your gingivitis from developing into periodontitis.
Periodontitis is the more severe form of gum disease. It is non-reversible and can lead to tooth loss, bone loss, and gum recession. If you notice your gums pulling away from your teeth, or red or swollen gums, schedule an appointment with Dr. Tau. Gum recession can lead to the creation of pockets, which allow disease and bacteria to nest below the gum line and damage both the tooth roots and the jaw bone. If this happens, you may require root canal therapy or a tooth extraction. Untreated, gum disease can lead to unwanted health conditions, such as tooth loss, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
Prevention
The most effective way to prevent gum disease is good oral hygiene. Philadelphia general dentist, Dr. Tau recommends biannual dental checkups and professional cleanings. At a checkup, he will thoroughly assess the condition of your teeth, gums, and bone to determine the presence of gum disease, tooth decay, or damage. If you’re unsure how to properly brush or floss your teeth, Dr. Tau can demonstrate the correct techniques to help you get the most out of your daily oral hygiene routine.
At a professional dental cleaning appointment, we will clean between each tooth, removing any food particles, plaque, or tartar that resides in the tight spaces. One of our friendly, experienced hygienists will floss between each tooth and polish the teeth. Your teeth will feel smooth and shiny after this deep cleaning.
Along with routine dental visits, Philadelphia general dentist, Dr. Tau encourages patients to brush their teeth twice a day with a soft bristled toothbrush. Bacteria quickly build up on old toothbrushes; therefore the American Dental Association suggests that your toothbrush should be replaced every three months, or every 90 uses.
After brushing the front, backs, and sides of each tooth, you should floss. It’s beneficial to floss after each meal, however if you can’t commit to that, we recommend you perform this act at least once a day. When flossing, be sure not to irritate your gums by flossing too hard. Gently slide the dental floss between each tooth, creating a C-shape with the floss, and pull down. This method will effectively remove food particles and bacteria.
