Gum disease is
reversible, but if left to its own devices, could lead to tooth loss. If you
are experiencing swollen or red gums, bleeding after brushing and flossing or
bad breath that just won’t go away, it’s time to schedule an appointment with your dentist.
Your dentist explains
that gum disease affects millions of people across the country, but what used
to be an epidemic in adults over the age of 35, is now becoming more common in
teenagers and even children.
Bacteria and plaque
invading the gum line cause gingivitis, and the more serious periodontal
disease. In the early stages of gum disease, your gums will bleed easy when you
brush and floss. They will also become inflamed, red, and swollen. During the
gingivitis stage, tissue damage and irreversible bone loss have yet to occur.
If you do not see
your dentist for a professional cleaning, gingivitis can advance to the more
serious periodontal disease. People who have periodontal disease will see the
inner layer of their gums and jawbone begins to pull away from the tooth or
teeth allowing pockets to form. Because your body is fighting the bacteria, the
plaque will begin to spread and grow underneath your gum line. That bacteria,
plaque and tartar, will begin to break down your bone along with the connective
tissue that is there to hold your teeth in place.
When periodontal disease progresses, those pockets that have formed between your teeth and gums
will begin to deepen, weakening the bones that anchor your teeth in place.
Unfortunately, in the majority of cases, this does lead to tooth loss. Gum disease
is the number one reason that adults lose their teeth.
The primary reason
for gum disease is poor oral hygiene. To prevent gingivitis, the American
Dental Association recommends that you brush twice each day with fluoride
toothpaste, floss once each day and eat a healthy well-balanced diet. The ADA
also recommends that you visit your dentist twice a year or more often if you
have fought gum disease in the past. If you are unsure what products to use,
check out the ADA list of approved dental care products.
Other causes of gum
disease include hormonal changes such as menopause, puberty, and pregnancy. Gingivitis
and periodontitis can also occur if you are on certain medications, such as
Procardia, Dilantin, and Adalat, as these medications can cause abnormal
growths to occur in and around the gum tissue. If are suffering from a systemic
disease you may also be more susceptible to gum disease. Smoking and chewing
tobacco can also cause gum disease as can a family history of gingivitis or
periodontal disease.
For more information
regarding gum disease prevention, schedule an appointment with your dentist
today.
