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Periodontal disease affects as many as 50 percent of all dental patients. The disease is caused by a bacterial infection that manifests in the gums and if left untreated, can lead to tooth loss or more serious health issues.

Types of Gum Disease
Most periodontal disease can be caused by poor oral hygiene. It’s painless and can be easily ignored or misdiagnosed by the patient. Regular check-ups and cleanings are the best preventative solution against gum disease. The following are the most common forms and symptoms of periodontal disease:

Gingivitis

• Gums are red swollen and bleed easily
• Little discomfort at this early stage

Periodontitis
• An advanced stage of gingivitis
• Plaque spreads below the gum line irritating gums
• Gum tissues and bones begin to break down
• Gums separate from teeth becoming infected
• Symptoms are mild

Necrotizing periodontal disease –
• A more severe case of gum disease resulting in infection of tissues, ligaments and alveolar bone
• More common with suppressed immune systems including HIV and malnutrition

Other Risks
Ignoring your oral health can be deadly. When periodontal bacterial enters the blood stream, the patient is at risk for more serious infections in other areas of the major organs.
• Heart disease – the leading cause of death in the United States
• Stroke
• Uncontrolled diabetes
• Premature births or low weight babies
• Respiratory disease
• Osteoporosis

Treatment
Your dentist can recognize the early symptoms of periodontal disease during your regular check-ups. A professional cleaning every six months and diligently practicing oral hygiene daily can save you from serious gum problems:

• Brush at least twice a day including underneath the gum line
• Floss daily
• Clean behind the last tooth quarterly
• Use antiseptic mouthwash with chlorhexidine gluconate or hydrogen peroxide as directed by your dentist.

Professional Treatment
If you are suffering from gum disease, there are non-surgical procedures that can eliminate bacterial plaque. It just takes a few dental visits to have bacterial removed below the gum line to stop further damage to the mouth. Surgery is also an option for extreme cases of periodontal disease.

If you’re in San Antonio, Texas, please contact the periodontal disease specialists at Hale Dental. We’ll take care of all your oral health needs and give you the personal attention you deserve.