The American Dental Association estimates that periodontal disease afflicts nearly 47% of the population over the age of 30. There are two distinct levels of periodontal disease, each with their own symptoms, complications and treatment options.
The earliest form of periodontal disease is known as gingivitis. Initial symptoms include red and inflamed gums that bleed easily during brushing and flossing. This could also include issues with chronic bad breath.
Ignoring gingivitis symptoms, allows periodontal disease to advance into the serious infection known as periodontitis. This degree of infection and inflammation deep in the gum tissues causes your gums to pull back from the base of your teeth. As a result, pockets of infection to form deep within the gum tissues. In time it can even cause a loss of structure in the bones that anchor your teeth.
The systemic inflammation associated with periodontitis can significantly tax your immune system. Continuing research has found that this can related to other medical conditions including diabetes, heart disease and certain types of cancer. While periodontitis does not cause, these conditions, it does have a relationship to them, and can lead to serious complications.
If you are concerned that you might be developing periodontal disease, you should call Dr. Steven W. Huber’s office in Grove City, Ohio at 614-875-7070 to explore your treatment options.