This article addresses questions including: what is periodontal disease, how do I know if I have it and what can be done about it?

I know what you are thinking: not another slow reading, confusing article filled with medical jargon about dental healthcare and why your bathroom habits are just not good enough. Well, it's all fun and games until someone loses a tooth!

Consider the aim of this article is to keep things simple and avoid any plaque build-up while you read about why periodontal disease is NOT your friend! This is despite the fact that many of your friends might just have some form or stage of periodontal (gum) disease. That’s right: this oral affliction is as common as it is nasty. But, not to fear, for the Silver Spring dentist provides easy-to-follow solutions to your oral healthcare woes. At this point you might find yourself asking the question…

So What Exactly is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection of the gum and bone that surrounds and supports the teeth. In its early stages, it presents itself as simple gum inflammation, swelling and mild bleeding when brushing: a condition referred to as gingivitis. In its scarier and more serious form, it is known as periodontitis, where the gums can pull away from the teeth, forming deep pockets of decay between the gums and the tooth roots. Ultimately, this can lead to loose teeth, and the loss of bone tissue in the jaw. In the advanced stages of the disease, your teeth can get left behind in the sink. Periodontal disease and tooth decay are the two biggest threats to dental health.

What are some of the Symptoms of Gum Disease?

• Bad breath or a bad taste that won't go away,
• Red and swollen gums,
• Tender or bleeding gums,
• Painful chewing,
• Loose and sensitive teeth,
• Oral lesions and sores that won’t heal,
• Gums that have pulled away from the crowns of the teeth, making you look “toothy”,
• Any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite,
• Any change in the fit of partial dentures.

What Factors Can Lead to Gum Disease?

• Smoking and excessive alcohol use,
• Bad oral hygiene,
• Hormonal changes in girls and women, such as during pregnancy or menopause,
• Certain illnesses, such as diabetes, respiratory and heart diseases and Rheumatoid arthritis. People that suffer from these ailments tend to be at a higher risk of developing infections, including gum disease.
• Medications: Some medications cause the flow of saliva to be reduced, leaving the mouth vulnerable to oral bacteria.

So what's the good news? Well, you can do something about gum disease with a little help from a friendly dentist in Silver Spring.

Your job at home is to floss and brush your teeth regularly in order to avoid plaque build-up, but once it hardens to form “tartar” only a professional dentist or oral hygienist can help. The longer plaque and tartar remain on the teeth, the more harmful they become and the greater your risk of gum inflammation, tooth decay and disease. Although brushing and flossing regularly can help prevent the onset of gum disease, it is recommended that you visit your friendly (not in the least bit scary) dentist at least once a year for check-ups, or more frequently if you have noticed any of the warning signs above.