Despite the prevalence of gum disease across all age groups, you may not be fully aware of your role in its prevention or the risks of leaving the condition untreated.
There is a widespread assumption that periodontal disease, or gum disease, only affects aging adults with poor oral health contributes to the spread of this condition. But gum disease can affect people of all ages, from children to seniors in all walks of life. The condition often starts in childhood in response to poor oral health care practices. A lack of professional dental care, especially regular cleanings, increases the risk for developing gum disease as you get older. A closer look at the statistics might inspire you and your family to take control of your oral health in an effort to avoid the underlying conditions that lead to gum disease.
Flossing Is a Must
It’s a troubling statistic that is not at all surprising: 80% of adults and children do not floss regularly. Studies have shown that adults and children often forget to brush and floss twice a day or cut their oral care sessions too short. Women going through puberty, pregnancy, or menopause may skip flossing when they feel heightened gum discomfort and inflammation. Unfortunately, without regular flossing sessions, food debris and plaque on your teeth form tartar along the gum line, causing irritation and inflammation, which is the start of gum disease.
Gum Disease Linked To Ailing Circulatory System
The Centers for Disease Control reports that nearly half of adults who are 30 and older have some form of gum disease and many are not aware they have the condition. It’s also common for children to develop gingivitis, which is preventable with regular brushing, flossing, and professional dental care. If left untreated, gingivitis can develop into a more serious form of gum disease. The likelihood of developing gum disease only increases with age as 70% of adults 65 and older have it.
Oral health care also has a direct link to your overall health: Plaque on your teeth can have a negative effect on your circulatory system. Since gum disease is caused by plaque accumulation, researchers have linked periodontal disease with poor heart health. The risk for heart attacks, infective endocarditis, and strokes increases as gum disease advances through its stages of development.
Tooth Loss Mainly Caused By Gum Disease
As gum disease advances, your gum tissue recedes and exposes the root of your teeth. This inflammation slowly destroys the bony materials in your jaw, causing your tooth to loosen, and even fall out. When this happens, there is little your Little Rock dentist can do to rectify the situation without utilizing invasive surgical techniques.
When your teeth start to feel loose or painful due to gum disease, seek immediate dental care. Gum disease treatments might include deep cleaning of the tooth root surfaces below the gums or medications placed directly under the gums or taken orally, but in some cases, corrective oral surgery is the only viable treatment option.
If you have questions or concerns about gum disease treatments in Little Rock, contact Arkansas Family Dental today at 501.683.8886 to schedule an appointment. We will help you and your family take the necessary steps to prevent and control the spread of gum disease.
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