Statistics on the prevalence of gum disease in the U.S are shocking. A recent report by the C.D.C indicates that half of the American adults above 30 years have periodontitis. Unlike other dental diseases, gum disease is relatively mild and can be treated easily in its earliest stages. However, if you wait for the disease to progress, it can cause severe complications with far-reaching health consequences. Therefore, it’s essential to know the causes, signs and symptoms of gum disease to get treatment as early as possible.
Gum Disease Explained
Gum disease occurs due to bacterial infection of the soft and hard tissue that supports the teeth. During the early stages, it’s known as gingivitis. During this stage, the disease causes the swelling and reddening of the gum tissue. If left untreated, gingivitis progresses to periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease. Periodontitis causes the gum to recede, thus pulling away from the teeth. In the end, the structures supporting teeth are destroyed, jawbone weakens, and teeth eventually loosen and fall out.
What Causes Gum Disease?
Gum diseases mostly occur due to poor oral hygiene. Failure to brush and floss your teeth allows the formation of plaque. With time, colonies of harmful bacteria grow in your mouth where they infect the gum. Besides poor oral hygiene, other behavioral and biological factors contribute to gum diseases. They include smoking, diabetes, hormonal changes, and genetic susceptibility.
Preventing and Treating Gum Disease
Preventing the occurrence of gum disease can be achieved through proper oral hygiene practices such as brushing and flossing teeth regularly. Going for dental care in Palm Coast area at least twice a year can guarantee a proper prophylactic clean.
For periodontitis, it requires professional treatment at dental care in Palm Coast. The dentist will use a scaler to remove tartar and plaque. Special cleaning tools, ultrasonic devices, and lasers are used to clean the infected pockets.
