Periodontal (gum) disease is a quiet, chronic,inflammatory disease that begins with little or no symptoms. It is caused by bacteria in plaque and tartar that surrounds the teeth and enters the gums. If left untreated, the gums and eventually bone recedes, causing gum abscesses, tooth pain, loosening and/or loss of teeth. The disease advances silently and often without pain.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 out of every 2 American adults aged 30 and above has some form of periodontal disease. Research has also discovered a correlation between gum disease and other chronic inflammatory diseases, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. That is, periodontal disease that is left untreated can weaken the immune system and in turn worsen diabetes or heart disease.
The American Academy of Periodontology recommends that adults over the age of 30 visit their dentist annually for a comprehensive periodontal evaluation in order to evaluate and diagnose the health of the gums, assess the hereditary risk for disease and determine any necessary treatment. If you have any questions about periodontal disease, please contact us at (979) 543-2737 .