The Importance of Periodontal Health

If you're like most people, you probably don't spend much time thinking about your gums. Unfortunately, neglecting your periodontal (gum) health can lead to all sorts of unpleasant oral health issues ranging from pain to infections to lost teeth. A periodontal consultation with your Scottsdale, AZ, periodontist, Dr. Jason Zuch of Zuch Periodontics & Dental Implants, can help you protect the health of your gums.

Why good periodontal health is so important

Your gum tissues help hold your teeth firmly in place. If the tissue is damaged or destroyed by periodontal disease, your teeth may become loose and even fall out. Gum disease can also damage the bones and ligaments that help support teeth.

When gum disease is severe, bacteria can travel from your mouth to other parts of your body, increasing your risk of illness and chronic health problems. In fact, there may be a link between periodontal disease and Alzheimer's disease, lung disease, heart disease, and cancer, according to Medical News Today.

Fortunately, if you live in Carefree, AZ, the consequences of gum disease can be prevented by making oral hygiene a priority and visiting the periodontics office if you do happen to develop gum disease.

Do you have gum disease?

Gum disease isn't always so easy to spot, particularly in the early stages. It's possible to have gingivitis, the mildest form of periodontal disease, and not even know it. Signs and symptoms of gingivitis can include:

• Bleeding gums (Your toothbrush may look pink after you brush.)
• Frequent bad breath
• Red, puffy gums
• Tender gums
• Receding gums
• Pain when chewing
  
  

A dental cleaning and improved oral hygiene habits may be helpful at this point. Be sure to brush twice a day and floss every day to remove plaque from your teeth and prevent tartar from forming. Both plaque and tartar are factors in gum disease.

If you don't see your dentist and make oral hygiene changes, your pain may increase and you may soon see pockets around your teeth. These deep spaces form when the gum tissue begins to pull away from the teeth. The pockets provide the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and can be quite painful. Some of your teeth may also feel loose, or you may notice a change in the fit of your dentures. At this stage, you'll need to see a periodontist as soon as possible to protect your smile.

Do you live in Carefree, AZ, and need to make an appointment for a periodontal consultation with your periodontist in Scottsdale, AZ, Dr. Zuch? Call Zuch Periodontics & Dental Implants at (602) 889-8666 to schedule your visit.