With increased awareness about health and wellness, and today’s headlines filled with news about how to take better care of yourself, we are all striving to live healthier lives. To live a healthy lifestyle means making choices for your physical, emotional, and overall well-being.

New studies have shown the link between periodontal diseases and other systemic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. The bacteria found in plaque are the main cause of periodontal diseases. If plaque is not removed from the teeth it can harden and become a substance called calculus, which can only be removed by a dental professional. Periodontal diseases can vary in severity and, if left untreated, can ultimately lead to tooth loss.

Periodontal disease attacks just below the gum line, where it can cause the gum line and supporting tissues to break down. You may notice that your gum tissue is not attached to the tooth or as “high” as it had once been. As the tissues become more damaged, the crevice or “pocket” becomes greater in depth noting a more severe stage of the disease.

Here are some warning signs that can signal a problem:

• Gums that bleed easily
• Red, swollen, tender gums
• Gums that have pulled away from the teeth
• Persistent bad breath or bad taste
• Permanent teeth that are loose or separating
• Any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
• Any change in the fit of partial dentures

Treatment methods depend upon the type of disease and how far the condition has progressed. Good oral hygiene at home is essential to help keep periodontal disease from becoming more serious or recurring. You don’t have to lose teeth to periodontal disease. Brush, clean between your teeth, eat a balanced diet, and schedule regular dental visits for a lifetime of healthy smiles.