Help! I Think I Have Gum Disease!
Gum disease can show up as a minor inflammation of the gums or more seriously, damage to the jawbone and surrounding soft tissues. You may have noticed bleeding gums after brushing, or your dentist may have discussed receding gums with you during an appointment. Regular checkups with your Cincinnati area family dentist are important because gum disease progresses if you don’t treat it. Prevention through proper oral care is your best line of defense.
What Causes Gum Disease?
Many bacteria thrive in the mouth, and they’re usually harmless if you brush and floss regularly. However, if left to build up, bacteria and debris turn into plaque which becomes tartar if you don’t remove it.
Gum disease begins with the buildup of plaque along and inside the gum line, creating perfect pockets all over your mouth for bacteria to become unreachable with brushing or flossing. When these bacteria remain, you could end up with gum disease that starts with gingivitis and develops into more serious conditions.
Gingivitis
Tartar becomes more harmful the longer it remains on the teeth. Add to this problem gum inflammation that the bacteria can cause. This inflammation is called gingivitis, which results in red and swollen gums that can bleed. You can usually manage gingivitis successfully with flossing and daily brushing. You also need to keep up your regular professional cleanings at your local family dental office.
Periodontitis
Gingivitis can progress to a condition called periodontitis if you don’t treat it. Periodontitis causes the gums to recede from the teeth and form pockets where infection can take hold. At this stage, the connective tissue and bone that keep the teeth in place break down because of the bacterial toxins. Advanced periodontitis can destroy gums, bones, and tissue that keep the teeth in place. The result is often tooth loss and an infection that can contribute to chronic conditions like heart disease.
Preventative Measures to Fight Gum Disease
The most important method for preventing gum disease is regular brushing, flossing, and getting regular dental cleanings from your Cincinnati family dental provider. During your daily oral hygiene routine, look for any sign of blood in your mouth, and if you detect any, get to your dentist as soon as possible. Be careful not to eat foods that may be hard on the gums, which may result in tears or breaks.
It’s never too late to tackle gum disease. If you experience any symptoms, contact Beckham Square Family Dental of Blue Ash to address your problem immediately. If you are in the Cincinnati area, call 513.489.7800 to make a dental appointment with Dr. Andrea Schmerler, D.D.S., or Dr. Paul Hynes, D.D.S. You can also complete our online contact form.