Adults over the age of 35 lose more teeth to gum diseases than from cavities. At least three out of four adults are affected at some time in their life. The best way to prevent cavities and periodontal diseases is by multiple, daily effective flossing and tooth brushing techniques and regular professional examinations and cleanings. Our research among large populations show that most adult chronic periodontitis occurs between teeth, on the surface where the bacterial biofilm forms most readily and is disrupted most effectively by unwaxed dental floss. Similarly, most smooth surface cavities occur on the same surface. Unfortunately the training with dental floss often focusses primarily on food removal with little emphasis on removal of the biofilm. Therefore a person may have very good personal hygiene, a fresh mouth and infrequent cavities, and still develop some form of periodontal disease. Once this disease starts, professional intervention is necessary to prevent its progress.
Other important factors that can negatively affect the health of your gums include: tobacco usage, stress, clenching and grinding teeth, some medications, and poor nutrition.
Susceptibility to periodontal disease is substantially amplified by tobacco usage. The damage is more severe in smokers and tobacco-users than those who do not use tobacco. The toxins within tobacco may hide the minimal symptoms associated with periodontal disease through alteration and constriction of the very small blood vessels in the gums. Smokers often present a somewhat ashen rather than redder color of gums that are inflamed. Their gums may not bleed as easily, which may add to the deception of being healthier than they really are. Those toxins also contribute to more bone loss than is experienced In addition, your chance of developing oral cancer increases with the use of tobacco.
Chemicals in tobacco such as nicotine and tar also slow down healing and the predictability of success following periodontal treatment. Quitting smoking and tobacco-use can have innumerous benefits for your overall and periodontal health.
home | patient information | periodontal disease | services | referring doctors | meet us | contact us | sitemap | disclaimer
Atlanta Address: 3580 Piedmont Road, NE, Suite 120 • Atlanta, GA 30305 • Phone: 404-231-1080
Peachtree City Address: 402 Stevens Entry, Parkside Office Park • Peachtree City, GA 30269 • Phone: 404-231-1080
Periodontics Website Designby PBHS 2010©