Gum disease, which is also called periodontitis or periodontal disease, is more common than dentists would like to admit. An article from Oral-B mentions that 75 percent of Americans will develop gum disease in their lifetime. Because of this large percentage of people, we wanted to give you some more information about gum disease, what causes it, how to prevent it, and what to do if you end up getting it.
What to Know About Gum Disease
At Brookside Dental Care in Cheyenne, we can help treat and prevent gum disease, allowing you to keep your teeth and mouth healthier. The first step to preventing periodontitis is to know more about it. In this blog, we will give you all the information you need about gum disease. Read on to learn more!
Gum Disease and Gingivitis
Gum disease, also known as periodontitis or periodontal disease, starts with bacteria growing in your mouth. You may have also heard of gingivitis — this is gum inflammation that generally comes before gum disease. While not all gingivitis turns into periodontitis, it is important to take extra care of your teeth if you have gingivitis. If gingivitis goes untreated, it can lead to periodontal disease, which can cause damage to your bone and tissue.
What Gum Disease Does
Gum disease causes the inner layer of gum and bone to pull away from the tooth, forming a pocket. These pockets collect debris, which forms plaque and can become infected. As the plaque spreads, the bacteria in the plaque creates toxins that begin to break down the bone and connective tissue that holds your teeth in the socket. Without treatment, the gum disease will worsen. As is progresses, more gum tissue and bone will be destroyed. This can lead to tooth loss, even in adults, which is why it is so important to take care of your teeth and get the proper care if you have gum disease.
Gum Disease Symptoms
There are many symptoms of gum disease which you should keep in mind. If you notice any of these symptoms before they get too bad, you can prevent your gum disease from getting worse. Some of the symptoms of periodontitis include:
- Red and swollen gums
- Sensitive teeth
- Bad breath
- Gums that are shrinking
- Wiggly teeth
You may even notice that your gums start to bleed after simply brushing your teeth. If you notice any of these symptoms, be sure to schedule an appointment with your dentist right away. At Brookside Dental Care, we will be able to help you get your teeth and gums healthy again.
Gum Disease Causes
Bad oral hygiene is not the only thing that causes gum disease. There are many different factors that can contribute to periodontitis. This is important to know since you can still get gum disease even if you have great oral hygiene. Some of the factors that can increase the risk of gum disease include:
- Poor oral hygiene
- Bad habits such as smoking
- Family history of dental disease
- Medications that reduce the flow of saliva
- Illnesses such as cancer, HIV, and diabetes
- Hormonal changes from pregnancy, puberty, menopause, and menstruation
If you have any of the symptoms listed above and any of the factor that can increase the risk of periodontitis, you should get it diagnosed and treated before it gets any worse.
At Brookside Dental Care in Cheyenne, we offer different periodontal disease treatment that can get your gums in good health again. If you are concerned that you have gum disease or are noticing more symptoms, be sure to schedule an appointment with us! We will be able to help your smile before the periodontitis gets worse. Contact us to learn more and schedule your appointment today!