Gum disease affects millions of people around the world. It can be caused by a wide variety of issues. Technically referred to as periodontal disease, this infection affects the tissues surrounding your teeth. In the absence of proper flossing and brushing, plaque will form around the teeth, gradually building up into a hard substance from its original sticky film-like texture.
This can lead to periodontal disease and the loss of your teeth, if you do not treat gum disease as soon as possible. Here is a brief overview of what causes and prevents gum disease.
Understanding Periodontitis
Gum disease, or periodontitis, represents an infection in the gums that directly affects the tissues surrounding the teeth. If left unchecked, bone loss can occur leading to tooth loss at some point in time. Fortunately, by developing a routine of proper brushing and flossing, along with regular professional dental cleanings the plaque and calculus is removed and this type of damage.
How To Know You Have Gum Disease
There are certain signs and symptoms of periodontal disease. The most obvious signs are red , puffy and bleeding gums. In addition to this, loose teeth, bad breath and pus forming can also be signs that gum disease is present..
The Most Common Causes Of Periodontitis
The most common cause of periodontal disease is the development of plaque that forms around your teeth. It can be accelerated dramatically if you are consuming significant amounts of sugar and starches. As the plaque begins to harden, tartar or calculus will begin to form, harboring the bacteria that will cause the problem.
Plaque can also lead to the creation of gingivitis which is a relatively mild form of gum disease. However, as this worsens, inflammation in the gums will continue as the bacteria reproduce, leading to the potential of losing your teeth.
Related Risk Factors Associated With Periodontitis
If you do not develop a regimen of flossing and brushing, along with regular professional cleanings, it is possible for gum disease to occur. Poor diet, recreational drug use, and the use of chewing tobacco can all be factors which contribute to developing gum disease. Rheumatoid arthritis, respiratory disease, and even diabetes are conditions which can also be factors contributing to periodontal problems. The key to preventing gum disease from occurring is brushing and flossing regularly and having professional cleanings.
This basic overview of what causes gum disease may help to prevent periodontitis from occurring. If you have noticed that your gums are bleeding when brushing and flossing, it could be that you are in the early stages of developing periodontitis. To improve the condition, regular flossing and brushing is recommended along with a professional cleaning every six months. By following these recommendations, you can prevent potential problems associated with periodontitis.
We all want our teeth to last a lifetime. These tips will certainly assist you in the prevention of gum disease. For more information on this topic, contact the Dixon Dental Center in Idaho Falls, Idaho.