Gum disease and its effects on health have been increasingly documented and dentists are placing more emphasis on its prevention and diagnosis. Gum disease is also known as periodontal disease and is an inflammatory condition that affects the tissues that surround the teeth. It is the number one cause of tooth loss in America and is one of the most common diseases in the world. The good news is that gum disease is preventable and good at-home oral hygiene as well as routine visits to your dentist can help you live a healthy life.
Gum disease is caused by the accumulation of plaque around your teeth and gums. Plaque contains bacteria and is evident by that sticky colorless film that develops on your teeth. If too much plaque accumulates around the gums they become inflamed and can even start bleeding. Other early signs of gum disease include sensitive, red or swollen gums, bad breath, and loose teeth. Gum disease can be prevented with effective brushing and flossing as they disrupt bacteria from accumulating around your teeth. Unfortunately at-home care alone is not enough to break up the plaque that forms in your mouth and dental visits are necessary to help remove the film and to prevent it from becoming more damaging.
The chance of getting gum disease is increased as you get older as well. This is due to the fact that as we age there is more of a chance that plaque has been left on the teeth and in contact with the gums. Genetics also play a role in your susceptibility to periodontal disease. If your parents suffered from tooth loss there may be a chance that you are at a higher risk of contracting the disease. Your dentist will be able to determine what your risk level is for developing gum disease and if more frequent visits may be necessary to help optimize your oral health.