Periodontal disease, a bacterial infection of the gum tissue, poses a serious threat to oral health if left untreated. The integrity and structure of the jaw bone, gum tissue, and teeth can be compromised by this condition. In advanced stages, patients may even lose one or more teeth. Beyond oral health implications, periodontal disease has been linked to grave health concerns such as stroke, heart disease, and oral cancer.
In light of these risks associated with periodontal diseases like gingivitis (the first stage), which is reversible if treated promptly but could escalate into a more destructive form called periodontitis if ignored. It’s important to note that many people have gum disease without any warning signs, making regular dental checkups and periodontal examinations crucial for early detection.
One way to minimize your chances of developing this type of gum disease is through diet awareness. You can add healthy habits into your daily routine that promote good oral hygiene while also nourishing your body overall.
Oral Hygiene Practices
You should brush your teeth after every meal. This is an act that helps remove plaque and bacteria from sticking to them. Tongue scraping or brushing is equally essential in removing hidden bacteria harbored there. Flossing at least once every day aids in eliminating food particles lodged between the teeth where brushes cannot reach.
Mouthwash incorporation into daily routines assists in reducing plaque buildup. Quitting smoking also significantly reduces susceptibility to the development of gum diseases. Regular visits to highly trained professionals like Dr Robert Cain, who offers comprehensive care, are beneficial for spotting early signs. This prevents progression into severe stages.
Dental Concerns Associated With Periodontal Disease
A number of dental issues arise due to unchecked progressions. For example, people can develop missing or decayed teeth among adults aged between 20-64 years. These gaps affect speech and eating habits and may even cause bone loss around the missing tooth area. Sensitivity is another concern where hot or cold foods induce a wincing pain due to cavities, worn fillings, and gum disease, among other reasons. A dry mouth could be an indication of underlying health conditions or side effects from medication use. This can lead to decay due to decreased salivary flow.
Periodontal Disease and Oropharyngeal Cancer
Oropharyngeal cancer affects any part of the oral cavity, including lips, gums, tongue, jaw, etc., often starting as unnoticed white/red spots or sores anywhere in the mouth/throat region. Regular dental visits can help catch these changes early when treatment is more effective. Symptoms include easy bleeding sores that don’t heal, hard lumps/spots, roughened areas, numbness/pain/tenderness, and changes in teeth fit during biting down.
All these concerns underscore the need for regular dental check-ups for early detection of pre-cancerous/cancerous conditions. As a result, you need to have good oral hygiene practices at home, like a balanced diet.
