Many adults in the US currently have some form of gum disease. Minor cases of gum disease may only cause inflammation, while more severe cases cause damage to the tissue and bones, resulting in tooth loss.
Our mouths contain a lot of bacteria. Bacteria, mucus and other particles cause sticky plaque to form on our teeth. If the plaque isn’t removed with proper brushing and flossing, it can harden to form tartar. Once plaque turns to tartar, the only way to remove it is with a professional dental cleaning. Regular brushing will not be enough. Plaque and tartar that remain on teeth are harmful. Over time the gums will become inflamed and bleed easily. This is known as gingivitis—a mild form of gum disease. Gingivitis can be reversed by brushing and flossing daily, and with regular dental cleaning.
If gingivitis is not treated, it can become periodontitis, which causes inflammation around teeth. In periodontitis, the gums pull away from the teeth and form deep infected pockets. Your immune system will begin to fight the infection; however, between the bacteria and your body’s defense system, bones and connective tissue begin to breakdown, causing serious damage and tooth loss.
There are several risk factors for gum disease including smoking, diabetes, certain medications and genetics. However, gum disease can be treated with a variety of different methods:
Gum disease prognosis depends significantly on how well you care for your teeth and gums. Visiting our office for regular checkups and cleaning, as well as maintaining good oral health, will guarantee that your teeth and gums remain healthy.
For more information on Gum Disease in the Flint, MI area call Franklin L. Gordon, Jr., D.D.S., M.S., M.S. at (810) 230-0990 today!