Each and every day, we’re inundated with media reports about serious health epidemics, such as heart disease, diabetes, obesity and cancer. Yet, there is another health epidemic that impacts far more Americans than any other condition, and it gets far less exposure and is rarely discussed. It’s gum disease, also called periodontal disease. You may be shocked to discover that more than 75% of Americans have some form of this condition, and 40 percent have no idea that they are suffering from it.
Some may argue that gum disease is not a serious enough condition to make headlines. However, the complications are significant enough that everyone should be proactive in preventing it. Loss of teeth is the most obvious ramification of gum disease. However, there are many other conditions linked to it, including:
In fact, there is growing evidence that suggests that bacteria that causes gum disease can enter the bloodstream through gum tissue, impacting the function of many organs, including the heart.
Putting a Focus on Gum Disease Prevention
With gum disease plaguing the majority of Americans, much more needs to be done to raise awareness about it. Gum disease prevention should start at an early age. While periodontal disease is uncommon in children and adolescents, gingivitis, an early sign of future periodontal disease, is shockingly common. A lack of oral hygiene and eating a diet high in sugar and starch are common causes of gum inflammation in children. Bacterial buildup and plaque formation are to blame. However, these aren’t the only causes.
Over-brushing can also be a primary factor in the early development of gum disease, and one that doesn’t get identified nearly enough. Standard, nylon bristle toothbrushes, commonly handed to patients by their dentists, are too abrasive for gums and teeth. This is why many individuals develop gum disease even when they’ve been diligent about brushing for two minutes, twice daily.
Brushing with a standard toothbrush breaks down tooth enamel and wears away gums. When this occurs, there is greater exposure of the roots of teeth and loss of bone. As well, teeth become sensitive, making it more difficult to brush. In other words, over-brushing creates a perfect storm for gum disease to develop.
Interestingly, dental hygienists use a rubber polishing instrument for patient cleanings, as opposed to a nylon bristle brush. The Periclean rubber bristle brush is similar to these in-office instruments and is a safer alternative that both children and adults can use on a regular basis. While this innovative toothbrush will not eliminate all causes of periodontal disease, it can reduce the negative impact of overbrushing which is a common cause of the condition.
PeriClean does not prevent nor treat gum diseases. Use a PeriClean ultra-soft toothbrush to clean your teeth as part of an active effort to avoid receding gums. See your dentist for regular dental checkups.