Detect and reverse periodontal disease early

Periodontal disease is a common and growing issue.

About 40% of adults ages 30 and over have some form of it.

That number increases dramatically for people over age 65, and it can lead to tooth loss. This is why it’s so important to catch it early.

Periodontal disease is an infection and inflammation of the gums. If left untreated, advanced stages can lead to underlying bone loss.

Thankam Thyvalikakath and her team are working on a computer program to make it easier for dentists to track changes over time and catch it early.

“If it is discovered early, it can be reversed with very simple treatment,” Thyvalikakath said.

Debra Ferguson’s moderate case was discovered about ten years ago. Since then, she’s undergone treatment and sees a dental hygienist every 3 to 6 months.

“I was able to maintain mine and still am maintaining to this day,” she said.

Dentists stress that this can all be prevented with good oral hygiene, such as visiting dental practices regularly, toothbrushing and flossing.

“I floss in the car. I floss wherever I eat, in a restaurant, so it does make you kind of a fanatic,” Ferguson said.

Things such as smoking, diabetes, heart disease and autoimmune diseases can also increase your risk of periodontal disease.