Bogota Dental Center
85 East Main Street
Bogota, NJ 07603
888-505-1145

Periodontal Disease Pictures

Dentists show periodontal disease pictures to their patients for a variety of reasons. An estimated 80 percent of American adults have some form of the disease. Dentists teach their patients proper care and preventative steps to decrease their chances of contracting periodontal disease. It is important that patients see their dentist regularly for check ups and cleanings to prevent tooth decay and disease.

Gingivitis

Many people think periodontal disease is an adult problem. Few people realize children can get it, too. Studies conducted by the American Academy of Periodontology indicate nearly all children and adolescents have gingivitis. Gingivitis is the first stage of periodontal disease. Advanced forms of the disease are more rare in children but can occur if preventative steps are not taken. Dentist use periodontal disease pictures to show children what could happen if they do not care for their teeth.

Gingivitis and chronic gingivitis are common in children. Gum tissue swells, turns red and bleeds. Gingivitis is preventable and treatable with proper flossing, brushing and regular dentist visits. Left untreated, gingivitis can advance to more serious forms of periodontal disease. Pediatric dentists can show parents periodontal disease pictures to help educate them on the signs and symptoms to look for in their child.

Advancement

Studies also show chances of developing periodontal disease may increase during adolescence due to lack of care and oral hygiene practices. Hormonal changes during puberty can increase gum sensitivity and lead to gum irritation and advancement of periodontal disease. Aggressive periodontitis is more common in adolescents and young adults. Aggressive periodontitis can affect young people who appear healthy. This form of periodontal disease affects the molars and incisors. In severe cases the alveolar bone can be lost. Periodontal disease pictures can show where the alveolar bone can be worn away by the bacteria in the gums. Eventually, teeth can become loose. Once this occurs, periodontitis has advanced to a systemic disease.

Prevention

Periodontal disease is preventable and in some cases, treatable. Prevention is a patient's best defense against periodontal disease. Brushing and flossing teeth regularly can help eliminate gingivitis and lower the risk of developing periodontal disease. Dentists use periodontal disease pictures to point out the signs and symptoms of the disease to their patients. Children who are at risk of developing periodontal disease are also shown periodontal disease pictures to help them understand how it can effect their teeth and gums.

Periodontal disease can be spread. Researchers at the American Academy of Periodontology suggest the bacteria which causes periodontal disease can be passed from person to person through saliva. Common contact with saliva can put children and adults at risk. The most important preventative step is to establish good oral hygiene habits. Family members, couples and health care providers must take the steps required to prevent and treat the early signs of periodontal disease. Periodontal disease pictures can help patients spot the early signs of periodontal disease.