Periodontal disease, also called gum disease, affects half of American adults; for people over the age of 65, the incidence is around 70 percent. Periodontal disease can lead to infections, painful gums, loose teeth, and even tooth loss. It’s important to know the signs of periodontal disease as well as what you can do to prevent it. Read on to learn more about this common condition.

Signs of Gingivitis

The first stage of gum disease is called gingivitis. If you have this mild form of periodontal disease, you might notice that your gums are swollen or that they bleed a bit when you floss. At this stage, improving your oral hygiene and a professional cleaning might be all that’s required to get your gums back to their full health.

Signs of Periodontitis

Once gingivitis has gone untreated, it’s likely to turn into periodontitis. In this stage, the gums begin to pull away from the teeth. The bone becomes weak and, eventually, the teeth can loosen and fall out. If gum disease progresses this far, more invasive treatment is needed; some patients need bone grafts in order to stabilize the teeth and promote healing.

How to Prevent Periodontal Disease

The primary way to prevent gum disease is to brush and floss your teeth regularly. As you remove plaque and debris, you remove the source of nutrition for the bacteria that cause gum disease. See your dentist for a cleaning every six months (or more frequently if recommended for you). A professional cleaning and checkup will remove tartar and also gives the dentist a chance to see whether the signs of gingivitis are starting, giving you ample time to get the condition under control.

If you have questions about periodontal disease, please give us a call and schedule an appointment.