Periodontal disease, more commonly known as gum disease, is an inflammation or infection of the gum tissues. It’s estimated by the American Dental Association that it afflicts an estimated 47 percent of adults over the age of 30. The primary cause of this disease is hardened tartar at the gumline; however, habits like tobacco use and certain medical conditions, like diabetes, can serve as increased risk factors.
The earliest form of gum disease is gingivitis. Telltale symptoms include red or inflamed gums that bleed easily during brushing and flossing as well as problems with chronic bad breath. These symptoms can be reversed by a thorough dental cleaning and checkup with your dentist, Dr. David E. Pearson.
It’s important to treat gingivitis before it can develop into the most dangerous form of gum disease, known as periodontitis.
This serious infection can cause your gums to recede from the base of your teeth. This enables pockets of infection to form deep within the gum tissues. In time, it can even cause the loss of structure in the bones that anchor your teeth.
The systemic inflammation associated with periodontal disease can also impact your immune system. Recent research has found that this can be related to other medical conditions including diabetes, heart disease and certain types of cancer. You should note that while periodontal disease cannot not cause these conditions, they do seem to have some level of impact or can limit your treatment options.
If you are concerned that you might be developing gum disease in Lawrenceville, Georgia, you should contact David E. Pearson DMD PC at 770.995.9051 to explore your treatment options.