Per American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) – approximately three out of four Americans suffer from some form of gum disease, be it a mild case of gingivitis, or the more advanced periodontitis, and yet – only about three percent seek treatment for their gum disease.

Almost fifty percent of American adults have some form of periodontal disease, and many don’t even know they have it. If left unchecked, gum disease could lead to receding gums and gum pockets, bone deterioration, and ultimately, tooth loss.

The most severe form of gum disease is periodontitis – the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.

As a matter of fact, oral health affects the health of your whole body.

More and more research suggests that people with gum disease are more likely to get heart disease and have more trouble controlling their blood sugar.

Unfortunately, gum disease may be linked to many diseases and conditions, including diabetes and heart disease, but also certain forms of cancer, and even increase the risk factor for pre-mature, low-birth-weight babies – studies reveal.

Yes, maintaining healthy teeth and gums has become more important that ever.

 Still, patients do not always seek the periodontal care, as there seem to be a lack of awareness about the long-term and potentially dangerous effects of untreated gum disease.

So, what causes periodontal or gum disease?

Poor oral hygiene can certainly be one of the factors that lead to the advancement of gum disease. Pathogenic bacteria thriving in the mouth is responsible for the onset of the disease. Toxins in plaque, produced by the bacteria, and the body’s enzymes can cause the bone and connective tissue that hold teeth in place to break down, leading to gum recession, tooth loss, tooth sensitivity, and bad breath.

So, if plaque on your teeth is not removed daily by brushing and flossing, it turns into tartar. A buildup of tartar inflames the gums, potentially causing them to bleed – and bleeding gums are a sign of gingivitis, a form of early gum disease.

However, there are many other factors that can also increase your risk of periodontal disease, such as tobacco use, poor diet, stress, certain diseases, like cancer and diabetes, hormonal changes in females during puberty, pregnancy and menopause, and even genetics.

How do you know if you have a gum disease?

One of the first signs of gum disease is swelling of the gums, known as gingivitis.

Other symptoms can include: gum redness, bleeding while brushing or flossing, receding gum line, loose teeth, constant bad breath, and mouth sores.

What can help prevent gum disease is proper and regular teeth hygiene, healthy life style, and regular visits to your dentist’s office. So make sure you brush your teeth after each meal, floss at least once a day, and get dental checkups and a professional cleaning at least twice a year.

 When it comes to the root cause of the gum disease – plaque, your dentist can remove it during your regular teeth cleaning visits, and deep clean around all the affected areas, especially working around the pocket of the tooth, where the most harmful bacteria resides. Also, loose fillings or crowns will be inspected for a possible cause, and we may take X-rays to check for bone loss.

If the disease is advanced, you might need a surgery. In the case you already lost some teeth or need them removed due to periodontitis, do not despair, dental implants are modern dentistry’s best solution for replacing missing teeth. With proper dental hygiene and regularly scheduled dental visits, dental implants can provide an extremely successful, long lasting, and natural-looking substitute.

At Smiles By Stevens we are committed to providing stellar service – visit us in our progressive dental office in Lancaster, PA, and receive the highest quality of dental care.

Our strong belief is that prevention remains the best route we all can take for our health! We invite you and encourage you to take proper care of your teeth and gums.

Whether you’re in need of a routine cleaning or a more advanced dental treatment – trust Dr. Stevens, who was recently named one of PA’s top 20 dentists, and our highly qualified and experienced staff to provide you with a solution.

Dr. Shea F. Stevens, a leader in the implant dentistry field specializes in general, cosmetic, and implant dentistry, and is trained in both the placement and the restoration of dental implants.

So take charge of your oral health today – contact Smiles By Stevens dentistry in Lancaster PA, and find out why we continue to be one of the most trustworthy and distinguished dental offices in the area.