More About Periodontology

Many times, people are unaware that periodontology is a branch of dentistry until their general dentist recommends they schedule an appointment with a periodontist alexandria va. These recommendations are typically given to address an issue that is either beyond their scope of their expertise, or because they feel more substantial and long-term support is necessary to correct periodontal disease and reduce your risk of developing similar issues in the future.

Little-Known Facts About Periodontal Disease

Although it is an increasingly common issue, many people know very little about periodontal disease, including what causes it, what can increase your risk factors, and how to best correct and/or prevent it from developing.

• Silent Disease: Periodontal disease often goes untreated because symptoms develop so gradually. If caught early enough, periodontal disease can often be reversed, which is why it is so important to schedule regular periodontal exams and consistently practice good oral hygiene habits.
• Linked to other health issues: In addition to negatively impacting your oral health, periodontal disease is also linked to other health issues, such as diabetes and cardiovascular issues. Patients who have a family history of diabetes and heart disease are at are an increased risk of developing either if periodontitis is not treated,
• Spread from Mother to Fetus: Pregnant mothers should schedule regular cleanings and dental exams during their pregnancy to reduce the risk of spreading periodontitis to their child.
• Tooth Loss: Periodontitis is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults, and can result in systemic oral health issues, such as gum recession and jawbone deterioration, which increase an individual’s risk of losing additional teeth. If a patient’s jawbone does deteriorate enough, it may no longer have an adequate amount of material to support a dental implant, in which case a bone graft may be necessary.
• Common Underlying Cause of Bad Breath: Although bad breath is often believed to be the result of eating foods that are stinky or due to patients not brushing their teeth, one of the most common underlying reasons for chronic halitosis is untreated periodontal disease. If you are suffering from bad breath that does not improve after brushing your teeth, schedule an appointment with your dentist or periodontist to see if the cause is periodontal disease.  
• Generally Preventable: Although everyone is at risk of developing periodontal disease, there are several steps you can take to significantly reduce your risk. Practicing good oral hygiene habits every day is the most important step you can take. Be sure to brush and floss twice daily. It is also important to eat well, avoiding foods that are sugary or starchy, or drinking sugary beverages. In addition to following these self-care guidelines, it is also important to schedule regular dental or periodontal examinations every six months, even if you are not experiencing any symptoms. Scheduling these appointments allows your periodontist to perform a deep cleaning, and more importantly, gives them an opportunity to identify and correct issues before they develop into something worse.

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