Periodontal disease? What’s that?

Periodontal disease is a technical term for gum disease. Did you know that gum disease can lead to periodontal disease? Did you know that you can have gum disease even though your gums may not hurt when brushing and flossing? Most people do not even know that they have gum disease until they see their dental hygienist for a checkup.

Gum disease is caused by many factors, but the most important key to remember is that it is controlled only by regular visits to the dental office. Gum disease is an infection caused by bacteria and as it continues, it begins to eat away the gums and bone support surrounding the teeth. If left untreated, this infection will continue to dissolve the supporting structure around the teeth until they become loose and eventually fall out or are extracted. What most people do not realize is that they can keep their teeth a lot longer by treating the gum disease and maintaining the bone they have. By treating the gum infection, heart disease is being prevented as well. Research has shown that the same bacteria that cause gum disease can also cause infections in the heart. Increasing oral health leads to better heart health, and overall physical health.

Something else that can increase oral health and help prevent gum disease is daily brushing and flossing. Many people have a hard time forming flossing habits, but here are some ideas:

– Put the floss some place where you will remember to use it (i.e. bathroom vanity; shower; next to the TV remote, computer, or kitchen sink; etc)

– If your hands are too big, get a flosser that allows you to put floss on a handle.

– If your teeth are tight together, then use Glide or Satin floss which is easier to use in these cases. Waxed floss is still preferred due to the sticky texture that bacteria attach to, hence removing the plaque from between the teeth better than Glide or Satin floss. But if the waxed floss shreds or gets stuck between your teeth, then use Glide or Satin floss.

According to research, it takes 21 days to form a habit, so if you keep up the flossing for at least three weeks, you are well on your way to establishing a strong flossing routine.

In conclusion, I would just like to encourage each of you to start forming good flossing and brushing habits at home. Then, the next step would be to visit your local dental office and ask to see the dental hygienist for a checkup. These steps will help you maintain a long-lasting smile! May you have fun in the process!