The Impact of Periodontal Disease on Your Oral Health: What You Need to Know

Periodontal disease is a result of severe bacterial infection in the gum tissue. It causes many problems in the mouth. Knowing the impact of gum infection on your oral health can motivate you to set an appointment with your dentist right away. Here are the details on how periodontal disease impacts your oral health.

Gum pockets and jawbone loss

Research shows that a severe infection in the gums will form deep gum pockets. These pockets are ideal vessels for food particles and bacteria. The severe infection will later reach the jawbone. The infection will eat away the boney foundation of the teeth. Even the surrounding connective tissue will deteriorate. This will lead to tooth loosening and then tooth loss.

Clinical studies reveal that the swelling from periodontal disease breaks down the jawbone and its anchoring fibers. The gum pockets replace the healthy fibers. The dental root surface there is coated with a bacterial film that has tartar and plaque. The decline of these anchoring structures increases tooth mobility. Without treatment, the degradation will continue and the tooth will no longer be capable of chewing or biting. The dentist will then extract it.

Gum bleeding

Developing periodontal disease can occur with slight inflammation and redness. Bleeding may also happen while brushing or flossing. This is caused by the presence of sticky plaque along the gumline. The gums often develop a red to dark red coloration. Periodontal disease causes swelling. This opens up the blood vessels in the gum’s connective tissues.

Issues during and after eating

As mentioned earlier, periodontal disease causes teeth to loosen. This leads to difficulty in biting and chewing. These teeth cannot support the pressure load anymore. Food particles tend to get stuck between teeth because of the increasing dental spaces. Dull pain takes place when this happens. Individuals suffering from severe periodontal disease often prefer pureed, liquid, or soft foods.

Foul breath

A large population of bad bacteria in the mouth results in sulfur compounds. This can cause foul breath. The dentist will perform professional dental cleaning to remove excess plaque and dental carries along and underneath the gumline. This will reduce the presence of bad bacteria in the mouth. The patient’s breath can become fresher after the treatment, and there is an improvement in daily oral care.

Issues in speaking

Research reveals that periodontal disease can also cause speaking problems. Problems with playing wind instruments or singing can also become difficult. Pronouncing specific letters will not be clear anymore. This can lower a person’s self-esteem.

Problems in general health

The development of periodontal disease can also contribute to the onset of various chronic diseases like diabetes. Cardiovascular problems can also occur. Pregnant women who have periodontal disease tend to give birth to premature infants and develop preeclampsia. They are also at risk of having babies with low birth weight.

Periodontal disease can affect your oral health and your general health

Proper oral care and regular dental checks can prevent the onset of oral issues like periodontal disease. This issue can begin undetected. Mild symptoms may follow. Working with your dentist can catch this disease early and prevent complications later in life.

Request an appointment here: http://www.periodontistboca.com or call Thomas A. Copulos DDS, PA at (561) 763-1066 for an appointment in our Boca Raton office.

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