Periodontal Therapy
The number of people who have been diagnosed with Periodontal (Gum) Disease is quite shocking. Nearly 80% of Americans have some level of gum disease. Not only does this disease affect the mouth, but gum disease puts you at a higher risk for diabetes complications, stroke, heart attack and the list goes on.
How Does Gum Disease Start?
Over 600 different strains of bacteria live in your mouth. Not all are bad, but some that are produce a sticky, yellow substance called plaque. If plaque is not removed with daily brushing and flossing, it hardens into tartar, an insoluble substance, meaning it can’t be removed with water. Tartar irritates gum tissue and bacteria invade, causing infection that we call gum disease. As the infection worsens and spreads, connective tissues between teeth and gums start to break down. This is when periodontal pockets form and bacteria spreads like wildfire. Besides teeth loosening, gums receding, and breath smells bad – the inflammation from the bacteria can get into your bloodstream and create serious health problems… all because of plaque!
How Can I Prevent Gum Disease & Periodontitis?
Dr. Rao’s advice for preventing gum disease is: brush morning and night, floss before bed, attend six-month checkups and cleanings. Many people are not aware that they are in the early stages of gum disease until we detect the problem in a checkup.
However, if you notice redness, tenderness, swelling, or bleeding while brushing the teeth, you may have gum disease. Treating gum disease early is important to reducing dental problems. Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss for adults in our nation, so don’t delay treatment.
Call Today!
To reserve your dental checkup, consultation, or second-opinion visit, call 214-522-3110 today. Located in Highland Park, Dr. Rao’s Dallas dentist office serves families from the SMU area, Katy Trail, Park Cities, and surrounding communities. Visit our blog and Facebook page to learn more about Dr. Rao and her team, and join the conversation with our team and patients.
