Slow, but progressive, gum disease swells the gingiva and destroys the bone that supports your teeth. Once the bone is lost, it does not regenerate. It may be generalized affecting all of your teeth or localized, affecting one tooth. This disease affects both men and women of all ethnicities from teen years through adulthood. In its early stages, you be unaware of its presence. Dental hygiene habits, medications, smoking, alcohol, diet, general health or heredity may play a role in its progression. Initial symptoms of the disease may include swollen gums that bleed when you brush and an odor to your breath. Symptoms can advance to loosening and shifting of teeth and their eventual loss.
Periodontal disease is a silent and painless disease until the advanced stages. As an infection, it destroys the attachment of the gum and the bone, which supports and holds your teeth in place. Your body must fight a constant infection, which wears down the immune system. Early detection of periodontal disease enables the dentist and hygienist to treat the periodontal disease with less radical treatment methods and cause healthier gums with reduced general health risks.
Gum Disease can lead to Heart Disease
Research has shown that people with periodontal disease are twice as likely to develop heart disease which
may lead to heart attack. The gum inflammation characteristic of periodontal disease creates a path for bacteria in plaque to enter your bloodstream. This bacteria travels throughout your body a may be a factor in numerous conditions. The consequences of bacteria lodging in your heart can be quite serious or even fatal. If you have concerns, please speak with Dr.Kostides.