What is Gum DIsease?
You might be wondering, “What’s Gum Disease?”
Periodontal diseases are infections of your gums.
This infection can gradually destroy the support of your natural teeth. Ultimately, this can lead to tooth loss!
But periodontal maintenance can help keep the gum infection at bay!
Let’s explore how our dentists and hygiene team can keep your gum disease under control!
Why is oral hygiene so important?
Proper oral hygiene is key to keeping gum disease away!
Often, inconsistency in hygiene habit is what lets gum disease to appear.
But once gum disease appears, your gum disease won’t go away on its own.
Regular professional examinations and cleanings are then needed to combat your gum disease.
“3 out of 4 adults are affected by gum disease at some time in their life.”
-American Academy of Periodontology
Important factors affecting the health of your gums:
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- Stress
- Clenching and grinding teeth
- Medication
- Poor nutrition
What is Periodontal (Gum) Disease?
Periodontal disease is gum disease, and it can negatively impact your overall health!
Daily oral hygiene habits are important, but it is not enough to control your disease.
#1) What causes gum disease?
Periodontal disease can be accelerated by many different factors.
Because there are numerous entities causing the disease, different treatment approaches are required!
#2) What is plaque?
Periodontal disease and decay are both caused by bacterial plaque.
Plaque is a colorless film that sticks to your teeth at the gum line! This film constantly forms on your teeth.
By thorough daily brushing and flossing you can help remove these germs and help prevent periodontal disease.
#3) What happens with plaque if left untreated?
If not removed by daily brushing and flossing, plaque hardens into a rough, porous substance known as calculus (or tartar).
This calculus is the yellow and brown sediment that forms on your teeth. They are usually visible where the teeth meets your gum.
Dental plaque is the primary cause of gum disease in genetically susceptible individuals. This is why gum disease can impact your overall health.
What are top signs that I have gum disease?
If you are feeling gums sensitivity… you might have early stages of gum disease!
Here are the top three signs for gum disease that see in our gum patients at Parklane Dental:
Sign #1) Bleeding Gums!
Your gums don’t like when food and plaque are stuck to your teeth!
It irritates your gums and leads to bleeding gums!
👉 More flossing between teeth will help remove food and help stop bleeding gums!
Sign #2) Plaque Buildup!
✔️When flossing is not enough… gum disease begins!
✔️This happens when plaque builds up under your gums!
✔️Our biggest concern is when plaque cause gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease!
Sign #3) Loose Teeth!
What happens when plaque bacteria eats away the bone underneath the gum?
It can lead to something scary called… bone loss!
Only a professional deep cleaning can remove calculus deep inside gum pockets where plaque bacteria thrive!
What will happen to my teeth if I don’t Treat my GUm Disease?
Daily oral hygiene habits are important, but it is not enough to control your gum disease.
Bacteria found in plaque produces toxins or poisons that irritate the gums.
- This may cause your gums to turn red, swell, and bleed easily!
- If this irritation is prolonged, the gums separate from the teeth.
- This causes pockets (spaces) to form, also known as periodontal pockets.
What are periodontal pockets?
- Periodontal pockets are where bacteria accumulates.
- As periodontal diseases progress, the supporting gum tissue and bone that holds teeth in place deteriorate.
If left untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss!
“Adults over 35 lose more teeth to gum diseases, (periodontal disease) than from cavities.”
-American Academy of Periodontology
Book Your Gum Care Visit!
Your gum disease may get worse without professional treatment!
Gum disease is a manageable disease with professional dental care from our hygiene team.
Our dental hygienists and dentists are your frontline professionals to fight against gum disease.
Let’s start protecting your teeth to keep your gum disease in control!
