Mind Your Body TV Episode 43 with Alina Krivitsky, D.D.S.
It’s a big word. Periodontics. But what is it?
Think about how to keep your teeth. You want to and it all starts with fighting gum disease.
According to the American Academy of Periodontology, periodontal or gum disease can lead to tooth loss. The word periodontal literally means “around the tooth.” Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the gums and bone supporting the teeth. It begins when the bacteria in plaque—the sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth—causes gums to become inflamed.
You can keep your teeth
You know about plaque: That’s the stuff you’re reminded to floss off your teeth daily—so it doesn’t build up and cause gum disease. Research shows that inflammation may be responsible for associations between periodontal disease and diabetes, heart disease and other conditions.
Symptoms of gum disease include:
- Bad breath that won’t go away
- Red or swollen gums
- Tender or bleeding gums
- Painful chewing
- Loose teeth
- Sensitive teeth
- Receding gums or longer-appearing teeth
To learn more, watch this week’s Mind Your Body TV video, with Dr. Alina Krivitsky. She’s an assistant clinical professor at the USC School of Dentistry in the department of advanced periodontics. Dr. Krivitsky also practices in the Los Angeles area, and she’s here to help us preserve our pearly whites—or sometimes baby boomer not-so- pearl whites!
Prevent gum disease, please
Almost half of American adults suffer from gum disease, and we don’t have to. We gals seem to be more tuned into taking care of our teeth and gums than the guys are, as confirmed by a 2011 CDC study that showed:
- 74 percent of women are more embarrassed to have missing teeth, when compared to men. That’s not surprising, is it?
- 44 percent of women are aware of the effects of periodontitis contributing to overall health.
- Women are 26 percent more likely than men to floss on a daily basis.
As we age, we may also experience these most common problems:
- dry mouth related to medications: Lack of saliva can contribute to decay.
- wear and tear: Like other body parts, teeth are not immune. Perhaps you can see ridges and tiny fractures now.
Healthy gums for a healthy body
We’re in control, and this video will show you how to keep your teeth. As always, remember to SMILE! And see Dr. Krivitsky’s other Mind Your Body TV video here, as she discusses dental implants. You’ll need those if you haven’t kept (all of your) teeth.