Braces as an adult? No way. At least, that was what I thought when my dentist told me that I was going to have to see an orthodontist about my crooked teeth. But my teeth were so misaligned that they were causing me pain when I chewed, so I decided to at least look into it. Turns out braces today are nothing like the ones my friends had when I was a kid. Mine were practically invisible, and I didn't need to wear them that long. I started this blog to encourage other people like me who are nervous about the prospect of wearing braces as an adult. My straight smile is so worth the trips to the orthodontist, and wearing braces was nowhere near as bad as I thought. Read on to find out more about how you can straighten your smile.
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When you receive a periodontal disease diagnosis from your dentist, you probably have a few questions, such as how the illness will impact your teeth and what you can do about it. This article will cover the basics of periodontal disease to help get you informed on your new diagnosis.
What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease refers to the inflammation of the gums that hold your teeth in place. With the gums inflamed, they will struggle to provide the teeth with the proper structure. Most people have a mild case of periodontal disease with minor symptoms, but advanced periodontal disease can lead to additional dental problems, leading to missing teeth.
Periodontal disease is one of the most common dental conditions in the country, impacting almost 47.2% of adults over 30 and over 70.1% of adults over 65. Look for the following symptoms if you suspect that you have periodontal disease:
What causes periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease occurs when plaque and bacteria infect the gums due to buildup on the teeth. Plaque gets difficult to remove once it's hard, so it's important to remove it when it's soft.
There are certain risk factors that can increase the likelihood of getting periodontal disease, such as:
How can you prevent periodontal disease?
The best way to prevent periodontal disease is to practice good oral hygiene. Take the time to brush and floss 2 - 3 times a day and/or after every meal. Don't forget to use mouthwash, as the alcohol can kill bacteria that exasperate the condition. You should also go to the dentist for regular cleanings every six months to remove the hardened plaque from your teeth. If you do notice symptoms of periodontal disease, take action right away before the condition gets worse and the dental bills get more expensive.
What are treatment options for periodontal disease?
The mildest cases of periodontal disease will only require professional teeth cleaning and an upgrade to the patient's oral hygiene routine. Most cases will see positive results after a deep cleaning, where the dentist creates an access point into the infected area of the gums and flushes the area out with cleanser.
In some cases, patients will require major dental surgery to repair the damage. Patients with advanced cases of gum disease may lose teeth and require implants, or they may need braces to straighten misaligned teeth.
To learn more about periodontal disease, reach out to a local dental clinic.
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