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Gum disease is the major cause of approximately 70 percent of adult tooth loss. This means that three out of four people will develop gum disease at some point in their life. Also called periodontal disease, gum disease is a bacterial infection that destroys the supporting structures that hold your teeth in place. With proper prevention and treatment, gum disease can be controlled and stopped. The road to recovery may take time, but it is well worth it if you do not want to lose any of your teeth. Maintain proper dental health care and you will be able to keep your teeth, as well as extend your life. What Causes Gum Disease? Recognized as the primary cause of gum disease is bacterial plaque, which is a sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on the teeth. If you do not remove plaque every day by brushing and flossing, it will harden into a rough, porous substance called calculus, or tartar. Toxins that are produced and released by the bacteria can irritate your gums, causing the breakdown of fibers that hold the gums tightly to your teeth. This creates periodontal pockets that fill with even more toxins and bacteria. Only a professional dentist can remove harmful tartar from your gum line, making regular visits to the dentist a vital step for controlling and preventing gum disease. Prevention Begins at Home Regular visits are necessary to remove tartar and detect early signs of periodontal disease, but at-home-care also plays a major role in preventing tartar from forming and infection from thriving. To keep your teeth and promote healthy gums follow this simple advice:
• Brush for five minutes, twice a day
• Floss daily to remove plaque from places your toothbrush cannot reach
• Although it is not a substitute for brushing and flossing, a mouth rinse can reduce plaque up to 20 percent.
• Eat right. Starchy and sugary foods increase plaque
• Avoid cigarettes and chewing tobacco
• Exercise preventative care and schedule regular checkups with your Northern Kentucky dentist
Sticking to a regular oral hygiene regimen is crucial to combat the results of gum disease. You should visit your dentist at least twice a year to check for any signs of infection.
Signs that your Gums Might be infected Often, those who have gum disease may not experience any pain, nor do they realize they have an infection. Early stages of gum disease are rarely painful with few warning signs. Some of the signs of periodontal disease or gum disease are: • Bleeding gums during tooth brushing or otherwise.
• Sensitive, red or swollen gums.
• Bad breath.
• Teeth that are loose or appear to have shifted. If you exhibit any signs of gum disease, it is very important to visit your dentist for further diagnosis and treatment. As your infection progresses, the bone tends to recede and, in some cases, the root of the tooth may become exposed, occasionally causing sensitivity to your tooth. Bone recession is not visible to the naked eye, so it is important to visit your dentist for examination and dental cleanings to identify gum disease. If you notice any signs of gum disease, immediate detection by your Northern Kentucky dentist is vital to protecting your teeth and eliminating any infection.
Sean Hartmen writes for Dr. Marc Marlette, a leading dentist in Northern, KY. Offering a wide array of services including bonding, cosmetic fillings, veneers, whitening and extractions this family and emergency dentist in Northern, KY is qualified to handle any dental need for patients of all ages. Dr. Marlette also offers a Japanese translator if necessary. This Florence dentist also serves patients in Northern, KY.
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