Preventative Dentistry
While seldom painful and frequently free of any obvious signs or symptoms, periodontal disease can progress, undetected, to the point where supporting bone is destroyed. With 80 to 90% of all teenagers having some form of gingivitis (inflamed gums) and 75% of adult tooth loss for people over the age of 35 due to periodontal disease, early treatment and prevention is essential. While periodontal disease is caused by plaque, a number of other factors including poorly fitted bridges, badly aligned teeth and defective fillings contribute to the development of this condition.
In addition, recent studies have shown that periodontal diseases are associated with heart disease. Gum diseases can cause bacteria to enter the bloodstream where they attach to the fatty deposits in heart vessels. As a result, this can cause blood clots in the vessels that ultimately leads to a heart attack or stroke.
Brushing and flossing alone is not enough to prevent periodontal disease. Preventative dentistry is crucial when it comes to preventing periodontal diseases.