More About Periodontology

We have become a society focusing on convenience taking much for granted. This includes the health of our smiles and the teeth and soft tissue that make up that smile. Let us take a few minutes and talk about the soft gum tissue in your mouth. You may have heard of gum disease and a specially trained dentist called a periodontist can help you deal with this disease. A periodontist in port huron michigan is trained to do much more.

What is the Science of Periodontology?

Periodontology is the dental science that specializes in the study of hard and soft tissues that support your teeth and their replacements. Your gums help keep the teeth in position in the jaw and help the teeth work together efficiently during chewing. The gums will also act as shock absorber while biting and chewing to prevent damage to the teeth from excessive force. Each tooth sits in a bony socket. The bony socket is a complex network of tiny fibers. These fibers are collectively called the periodontal ligament which literally holds the tooth in place. Over time the tissue adapts and will make changes to keep the teeth stable.

Why is Periodontology Important?

Ok, something you take for granted. Everything you need for life sustaining nutrition passes through your mouth. All of us, at any given time, can have millions of bacteria in the mouth. Your mouth is a vital part of the body and can reflect the health and balance of your body. Research says that almost half of America adults over the age of 30 have some form of gum disease. The primary cause of gum disease is poor hygiene and neglect. The health industry strongly suggests that we brush twice a day for two minutes each time. When you do not do this, you are leaving a clear sticky substance on your teeth called plaque. That plaque harbors harmful bacteria. When the plaque reaches the gum the soft tissue immediately becomes infected. A periodontist will perform different procedures to remove this damaging plaque and reverse the infection. If left unattended the plaque advances the infection and the intensity of the disease.  The gums continue to swell and will pull away from the tooth. The gum disease is now jeopardizing the system with the stabilization of the tooth. It is a painless disease which is why so many adults have it. The longer the disease is neglected the more complicated the process is to correct the gums.

Your Gums are an Important Part of Your Body

Your gums can reflect the health of your body. A periodontist can look at your gums and diagnose if you have diabetes or a blood disorder. Periodontology can be a holistic form of dentistry because of this relationship with your general health and other medical disciplines in your body. Follow the advice of the health industries when they suggest that you brush your teeth twice a day and floss once a day. Do not take your teeth and gums for granted. Stay ahead of that plaque. Keep your teeth, your gums and your smile healthy.

More on Periodontics : Periodontist Frequently Asked Questions