By Pasadena Dental Implants
June 15, 2016
Category: Oral Health

Periodontal disease is not something many people think about on a daily basis. However, this serious dental condition is the number one cause of tooth loss and preventing it is vital to your oral health. Keeping your teeth healthy is just as important as keeping any other part of your body healthy. Learn how to prevent periodontal disease with help from your Pasadena, CA dentist, Dr. Peter G. Cooper.Gums

What is periodontal disease?
Studies estimate about half of all Americans have some form of periodontal disease. This condition occurs when the oral tissues surrounding the teeth become infected or inflamed. Periodontal conditions range from simple irritation of the gums to complex conditions which result in bone and tooth loss. Your at-home oral care routine determines your risk for periodontal disease. Symptoms of periodontal disease include:

  • red, swollen or irritated gums
  • bleeding gums
  • unexplained bad breath
  • receding gums
  • loose teeth
  • pain while chewing
  • tooth sensitivity

What causes periodontal disease? 
The foods you eat, the beverages you consume, your body’s natural secretions and the bacteria in your mouth combine to form a sticky substance called plaque, which grows on the teeth. When plaque is not removed by brushing and flossing, it hardens into tartar. You cannot remove tartar from your teeth without a professional dental cleaning. Over time, plaque and tartar begin to irritate the gums, causing the first stage of periodontal disease called gingivitis. If left untreated, gingivitis turns into periodontitis, a serious and complicated disease which, if left untreated, results in tooth loss.

Preventing Periodontal Disease in Pasadena
The easiest way to avoid periodontal disease is by being aware of and avoiding its risk factors and committing to a strong at-home oral care routine. Risk factors for periodontal disease include:

  • smoking
  • diabetes
  • medications which hinder the flow of saliva
  • genetics
  • certain illnesses

Brush twice daily for at least two minutes and floss at least once. Be sure to see your dentist at least twice a year for routine examinations and cleanings to keep your teeth healthy and clean. For more information on preventing periodontal disease, or if you've notices some of the symptoms, please contact Dr. Peter G. Cooper in Pasadena, CA. Call (626) 796-1241 to schedule your dental examination and cleaning today!

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Pasadena, CA Periodontist
Pasadena Dental Implants
175 S. El Molino, Suite 4
Pasadena, CA 91101
(626) 796-1241

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