Periodontal Health Effects

Studies have shown links between periodontal (gum) disease, heart disease and other health conditions.

Research further suggests that gum disease may be a more serious risk factor for heart disease than hypertension, smoking, cholesterol, gender and possibly age.

The effects on your health caused by periodontal disease are not only serious but also quite preventable.

Some of the Periodontal Health Effects include:
– Bad breath
– Tender, swollen and bleeding gums
– Loose teeth
– Link to systemic diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease
– Sensitive teeth
– Gum recession(teeth appear longer)

Periodontitis

Periodontal disease is when the tooth’s bone tissue starts to deteriorate. Periodontitis occurs when plaque byproducts destroy the tissues that anchor your teeth in the bone which can be a leading cause of bone loss. The gums deteriorate and begin detaching themselves from the teeth forming gum pockets, which allows more plaque to collect below the gum line. This causes the roots of the teeth to become susceptible to decay. Sometimes the patient notices an increase in sensitivity to hot and cold and to touch.

Sensitivity

Suppress the urge to avoid cleaning teeth that are sensitive to cold! Teeth that have suffered damage from gum disease will always be more sensitive to cold. Avoiding them only makes it worse.

Some of the causes of tooth sensitivity are:

– Tooth decay
– Cracked tooth
– Worn filling
– Worn enamel from teeth grinding
– Exposed tooth root
– Acidic foods
– Gum disease