What is Periodontal Health, and How Important Is It?

Maintaining good periodontal health, as your Park Ridge dentists explain, is perhaps one of the most important factors in retaining all of your healthy, natural teeth. Periodontal (gum) tissue is the soft, pink tissue that surrounds and protects teeth roots as they erupt from the jawbone, and is subject to infection when oral bacteria collect between gums and teeth. Known as periodontal disease, or gum disease, the infection can destroy teeth’s support, and periodontitis (advanced gum disease) is the leading cause of adult tooth loss in the United States. Today, Dr. Maria and Dr. Thanasi Loukas explain the importance of periodontal health, and how to spot gum disease early to prevent extensive dental damage and tooth loss.

Preventing Periodontal Infection

Do you remember to brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day, every day? Some people forget once in a while, and contrary to popular belief, making it up the next day with extra-diligent brushing might not always be possible. Oral bacteria, which naturally inhabit the mouth, form sticky dental plaque as protection when enough of them gather together. When used correctly, your toothbrush and floss can help control plaque buildup and reduce the risk of bacteria-induced issues, like periodontal disease. However, if plaque remains long enough, it will calcify, or harden, into an insoluble substance called tartar, which can’t be removed with consumer hygiene products.

Signs & Consequences of Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease develops because of inadequate oral hygiene, but it progresses and becomes severe because patients don’t realize, or just ignore, the signs of its presence. Bleeding gums, tooth sensitivity, and gum recession should be taken seriously, even if no physical discomfort accompanies the symptoms. When allowed to run rampant, gum disease germs cause excessive periodontal inflammation, which results in the destruction of periodontal tissue and, sometimes, the underlying jawbone.

Maintain Good Periodontal Health with Your Park Ridge Dentists

To learn more about periodontal health, or to seek expert periodontal treatment, schedule an appointment with Dr. Maria and Dr. Thanasi Loukas by calling your Park Ridge dentists’ office at (847) 696-1919. Located in the 60068 area, we proudly serve patients from Park Ridge and the surrounding Chicago communities.