Fairfield County Dentist Discusses Periodontal (Gum) Disease -- A Dangerous Condition if Left Untreated

DARIEN, CT--(Marketwired - Sep 10, 2013) - According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 64.7 million people in the U.S. above the age of 30 have an advanced form of periodontal (gum) disease. In response to this, Dr. James Diette, a dentist in Darien, constantly stresses the importance of proper oral maintenance for disease prevention. In addition, he explains how recognizing the warning signs of periodontal disease can help patients control, if not completely reverse, the disease altogether.

Although there is no cure for severe gum disease, it is often possible to treat it -- particularly in earlier stages -- and prevent it from getting worse. Dr. Diette emphasizes how learning the warning signs of its earliest stage, known as gingivitis, can help in stopping the disease from progressing. However, he cautions patients as they may not notice the symptoms of gum disease until it becomes a serious issue. The following symptoms are often found in patients with gingivitis:

• Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing teeth
• Red, swollen or tender gums
• Chronic bad breath

When patients have periodontitis, the advanced form of periodontal disease, Dr. Diette explains how their gums will begin to separate from their teeth and their bone will begin to decay. As a result, they may experience such symptoms as an altered fit when biting their teeth together, as well as loose teeth. To prevent this from happening, Dr. Diette recommends patients attend routine dental checkups for early detection.

Dr. Diette communicates to his Darien cosmetic dentistry patients the importance of prevention through four simple, routine habits:

• Brushing twice per day
• Flossing once daily
• Attending regular dental exams and cleanings
• Eating a balanced diet

This allows patients to eliminate bacteria, monitor their oral health, and discourage periodontal disease from forming. According to Dr. Diette, research has linked gum disease to an increased risk of more serious health problems, such as diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. He recommends immediate treatment upon detection to prevent tooth loss and protect patients' overall health.

Depending on the stage of a patient's periodontal disease, Dr. Diette will recommend the best treatment. He can often treat patients in the early stages of gum disease through the non-surgical method of scaling and root planing. This technique removes deep pockets of bacterial plaque and tartar, and can renew both the health and appearance of the gums. For those in more severe stages of gum disease, Dr. Diette offers more aggressive therapies that can improve gum health.

While periodontal disease affects a significant number of Americans, Dr. Diette says good dental hygiene combined with regular dental checkups can be crucial to preventing the disease from progressing further. For those who suffer from gum disease, he recommends immediate treatment to help preserve their teeth and gums and protect their health.

About James G. Diette, DDS
Dr. James Diette has practiced cosmetic dentistry in Darien, Connecticut for over 26 years. He is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame and Northwestern University School of Dentistry. Dr. Diette is a member of the American Dental Association, the Connecticut State Dental Association, the Stamford Dental Society, and the Academy of General Dentistry. He is available for interview upon request.

The practice can be reached online at dariencosmeticdentistry.com and facebook.com/pages/Darien-Family-Dental-Care/201799136096

To view the original source of the press release, click here: http://www.dariencosmeticdentistry.com/blog/news-room/fairfield-county-dentist-discusses-periodontal-gum-disease-a-dangerous-condition-if-left-untreated/