Typically people in their thirties and forties (and men more than women) are most susceptible to periodontal disease.

It is estimated that in the U.S. and Canada, over seventy-five percent of people over thirty-five years of age are afflicted with some type of periodontal disease (also known as gum disease). And while teenagers can develop gingivitis, they rarely have periodontitis. And the tricky part is that periodontal disease is usually painless until it becomes severe, so the majority of people afflicted with gum disease don’t know they have it.

While poor dental hygiene is a large contributing factor to gum disease, other factors such as smoking, diabetes, stress, medications, illness and genetic predisposition can also play a part in a person’s susceptibility. If any of these additional factors are a part of your lifestyle or genetics, periodontal exams are extremely important to ensure the health of your gums and teeth.

While there are many types of gum disease, the two main categories are:

Gingivitis – The mildest form of periodontal disease, it is often caused by poor oral hygiene and can be easily reversed with a visit to your dentist and improving your oral hygiene habits.

Periodontitis – When gingivitis goes untreated, bacteria in the mouth creates toxins which irritate your gums. This irritation, left unchecked, will cause your gums to separate from your teeth and in the process creates pockets that become infected. Still undetected, this infection continues to grow and become more severe and in the process breaking down and destroying the tissues and bones in your mouth. Yet, even Kamagra Gold though this disease is causing havoc in your mouth, the symptoms are still typically very mild.

If you have not recently had a thorough periodontal exam, request one on your next visit to your dentist or visit a periodontal dentist where the color and firmness of your gums will be examined, your teeth will be tested for looseness or sensitivity and your bite will be evaluated. Your periodontist may also take x-rays to evaluate your jaw bone. Periodontal probing will also be done where the dentist will place a measuring instrument between your tooth and gum in order prescription cialis online to measure the depth of the pocket to determine its health.

Regular visits to your dentist and good oral hygiene can help keep your mouth healthy. And while gum disease is hard to detect on your own, there are warning signs that you can watch for:

Persistent bad breath
Gums that bleed during brushing or flossing
Any redness, tenderness or swollen areas on your gums
Changes in the way your teeth feel or fit together when you bite down or chew
Painful chewing
Teeth that are sensitive
Teeth that are loose or separated
Pus between your gums and your teeth

When these signs appear, it’s time to call a periodontal dentist who is trained in diagnosing and treating gum disease, so that the severity and damage can be assessed and the necessary treatment program can begin. Remember…the presence of pain is typically one of the last symptoms to appear and by the time pain manifests, the disease is most likely in a very advanced stage.

Author Bio: Dr. Karl Smith has been in dental practice for over twenty-seven years. His specialties are periodontics, dental anesthesia and implants. People come from near and far to experience the comfort and professionalism of his office and patient-oriented staff. http://www.drkarlsmith.com

Category: Wellness, Fitness and Diet
Keywords: dental care, dental implants, buying viagra dentist, periodontics, periodontal care