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If you read the health news, you are probably aware that periodontal disease, also called gum disease, can be a contributing factor to many, serious health conditions. Clinical research has established a link between periodontal disease and diabetes, stroke, heart failure, Alzheimer's, preterm births, and more. The most dangerous thing about this disease is the fact that many people do not know they are affected.
In the earliest stages, there are few symptoms, and the condition is virtually impossible to detect except by a dental examination. As it progresses, symptoms such as discoloration of the gums, or bleeding when you brush your teeth may develop. Unfortunately, these are easily overlooked. What gets most people's attention is pain, and periodontal disease is virtually always painless in the early stages. Even the advanced stages rarely cause pain unless decay or abscesses develop.
Without regular dental care, you might not know you have a problem until your teeth start falling out! You might think that you are too busy to see a dentist, but a short, gentle cleaning at Pleasant Dental twice a year is a minor inconvenience compared to tooth loss and overall poor health.
During your appointment, the team at Pleasant Dental will use dental tools to clean all accumulated plaque and tartar from above and below the gumline, and polish your teeth. Dr. Dietrich will also perform a clinical evaluation, and recommend treatment if any signs of gum disease are present. If your oral health is good, you will leave our office with a plaque-free, disease-free mouth. However, within 24 hours, a layer of plaque will form in any areas that you don't brush or floss. Within 72 hours, that plaque will turn into tartar. Excellent oral health requires a cooperative effort between you and your doctor.
Here are a few tips to help you keep your smile bright and healthy between visits:
- Brush twice a day, for at least two or three minutes
- Floss every day
- Don't smoke
- Avoid sugary foods, or at least rinse afterwards
- Eat a diet rich in vitamins, anti-oxidants, and calcium
- Drink plenty of water
How long has it been since you've seen a dentist? Call Pleasant Dental in Dolton Illinois at and schedule an appointment with Dr. Dietrich today.