While no one wants to hear bad news about their health, identifying a problem is the first step towards correcting it. 50% of Americans over the age of 30, unfortunately, have periodontal disease, an advanced stage of gum disease. And while this can have an effect on other areas of your health, including your heart, you and your dentist should be able to come up with a plan to get the condition under control. The guide below looks further at periodontitis and what treatment and prevention options are available. 

What Is Gum Disease?

Gum disease is caused by a buildup of oral bacteria in the mouth. In addition to releasing volatile organic compounds that create bad breath, oral bacteria also emit toxins that irritate and inflame the gum tissue, causing red, swollen gums. 

Over time, these bacteria can take shelter underneath the gum tissue along the gumline, causing the gums to pull upwards and create pockets between the teeth and the tissue. The bacteria can infiltrate deep enough underneath the gums to enter the bloodstream, causing inflammation elsewhere in the body. This can make inflammatory conditions like arthritis much worse, and can also raise your risk of heart disease. Researchers have also discovered oral bacteria in the plaque lining the arteries that supply blood to the heart, which is why periodontal disease has been linked to heart attacks. 

How Can It Be Treated?

Fortunately, dentists can treat all stages of gum disease. If you have mild symptoms, more frequent deep cleanings will help, as will more thorough brushing and flossing. 

More advanced stages of gum disease may need to be treated with methods like scaling and root planing, during which the surfaces of the teeth are cleaned and smoothed above and below the gumline to prevent plaque, tartar, and bacteria from taking hold once again. Since gum disease is linked to tooth loss, damaged teeth will need to be repaired or replaced with dental implants.

If you suspect that you have gum disease, let the dentists at Cooper Family Dentistry in Gilbert, AZ, help you. Whether you have the first signs of gingivitis or advanced periodontal disease, they'll restore your smile to brightness and health. To learn more about their capabilities, visit their website or give their office a call at (480) 964-1000 to schedule an appointment.