The Importance of Periodontal Health

Have you taken a close look at your gums lately? Good periodontal (gum) health is not only essential to your smile but also offers important benefits for your general health. Periodontics, a dental specialty practiced by your Fresno, CA, periodontist, Dr. Alexander Pritsky, can help you keep your gums healthy.
 

Why periodontal health matters

Your teeth are held in place by your roots and gums. If your gums become inflamed or damaged due to gum disease, they won't be able to adequately support your teeth. Tissue, ligaments and bone may be destroyed by bacteria, which may cause your teeth to loosen and fall out.

The bacteria can eventually enter your bloodstream and travel to other parts of your body. Untreated gum disease may raise your risk of diabetes, osteoporosis, kidney disease, heart disease, and other conditions.

Good periodontal health helps you avoid these unpleasant consequences. Fortunately, it's easy to protect your gums by practicing good oral hygiene.
 

Brushing and flossing are the keys to preventing gum disease

Brushing and flossing removes plaque and tartar from your teeth. Plaque is a colorless film that contains bacteria, while tartar is a hard, grey or brown deposit that usually forms near your gum line. Although it's easy to remove plaque from your teeth and gums simply by brushing thoroughly, it's much more difficult to get rid of tartar.

Tartar can only be removed during dental cleanings. The hard substance is not only unsightly but is also a factor in gum disease. Regular dental checkups and cleanings can help you lower your risk of periodontal disease.
 

Periodontal diseases symptoms

Periodontal symptoms are often mild at first. Your gums may bleed when you brush and floss, and you may notice that you often have bad breath. Although these symptoms may not seem alarming, they're actually signs of the earliest form of gum disease, gingivitis. A dental cleaning and better oral hygiene can often resolve gingivitis.

If gum disease worsens, you may notice receding gums, pain and deep pockets around teeth. At this stage, your teeth may become loose or you might notice that the fit of your dentures have changed. Fortunately, your Fresno periodontist offers treatments that can improve the health of your gums and help you avoid tooth loss.

Periodontics helps protect your smile! Call your Fresno, CA, periodontist, Dr. Alexander Pritsky, at (559) 298-3900 to schedule an appointment.