The Seriousness of Periodontal (Gum) Disease

Gum disease is more common than most people realize. Studies by the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) say that nearly 50% of people over 30 have mild to severe periodontitis–which is the medical term for gum disease.

Periodontal disease ranges in severity from gingivitis (bleeding, inflamed gums) to periodontitis or full-blown gum disease. At this latter stage, tooth loss is a potential risk. Most people think that bleeding gums are not a big deal. They would be wrong. It should not be a normal occurrence. If your gums bleed when brushing or flossing that is a harbinger of infection and gum irritation due to bacteria.

The only way to fight periodontal disease is to keep up a healthy oral cleaning routine starting with 2x daily brushing and 1x daily flossing. Then keeping regular check-ups with professional teeth cleanings.

Hygienists give proper cleanings involving scraping calcified bacteria build up (tartar) off of your teeth. Tartar is an irritant that usually forms along the gum line. This is why dentists will tell you to brush at a 45-degree angle to get along the gum line.

We will also determine your overall gum health by measuring the area where your gum meets your teeth. If there is a space where the root is showing a particular amount you will be diagnosed with periodontal disease.

If you want more information about gum disease, Dr. John Poulos would be happy to help you. Please contact Northport Prosthodontics to make an appointment at: 631-262-0644, or come by our office in Northport, New York.