I love that my family dentist is tech-savvy. It's so easy to book a dentist on his smartphone app if I have a tooth problem or if anyone in my family needs emergency problems (I can choose either my normal dentist or another dentist in his practise depending on availability). He also has some great cameras so that we can see exactly what is going on during treatment. I prefer not to see this, but my kids love to be able to see the dentist using his specialised tools to clean and repair their teeth. This blog has some tips on finding a tech-savvy dentist to help give your family the best possible dental care.
If you look after your teeth correctly by brushing and flossing daily, using antibacterial mouth wash, and attending your dentist for regular health checks, your pearly whites should stay healthy and last you for a lifetime. However, did you know that tooth decay is not the only potential enemy to healthy teeth?
Periodontal disease can be extremely damaging to your oral health and to the overall longevity of your teeth. So, what is periodontal disease and how can you prevent it?
Periodontal disease
Periodontal disease is a condition that affects the soft tissues inside your mouth, especially your gums.
Periodontal disease is caused by bacteria. These harmful bacteria attack the gum tissue, resulting in painful inflammation. Damage to the jaw bone can also result in cases of long-term periodontal disease, which can eventually cause tooth loss.
Signs and symptoms of periodontal disease
The symptoms of periodontal disease can be very subtle and are not always easy for the lay person to spot. That's why it is so important that you attend your dental clinic for regular, professional check-ups.
The most usual symptoms of periodontal disease include bleeding from the gums and bad breath. Your gums may also become very sensitive to the touch and when you eat, and they may also be red or swollen. As the condition advances, your gums may begin to recede and shrink back from your teeth, and you may find that some of your teeth begin to come loose.
In severe or advanced cases of periodontal disease, an abscess may form in a pocket of tissue inside the gum lining. This area will become swollen, red, and painful, and it may even discharge pus.
Prevention of periodontal disease
Periodontal disease can run in families so if your parents suffered from it, you could probably expect to do so too. However, the most common reason that people develop this unpleasant condition is poor oral hygiene management.
If you don't establish a good daily oral hygiene routine from an early age, you will eventually develop periodontal disease. That's why teaching your kids to brush twice a day, floss regularly, and use antibacterial mouthwash after eating is so very important.
It's also really important that you and your family attend your dentist for six monthly check-ups. Your dental professional will have the experience necessary to spot the early warning signs of periodontal disease, and can recommend an appropriate source of preventative treatment, before the condition really takes hold and causes permanent damage.
Share