Beautiful Dentistry
General Dentistry located in Rowland Heights, CA
If you experience sore gums or notice any bleeding while brushing your teeth, it’s important to be educated about gum disease as it’s the leading cause of tooth loss amongst adults if left untreated. We are experts at treating and managing gum disease before it goes too far, thus preventing further damage. To learn more, call or schedule a consultation online today.
Gum Disease Q & A
What is gum disease?
The official name for gum disease is periodontitis, and it’s a process where bacterial overgrowth and disease occurs. Initially, bacteria grows in your mouth, leading to inflamed gums. If left untreated, this condition, called gingivitis, can worsen to form pockets in your gums that pull away from the teeth and bone, providing a breeding ground for plaque and bacteria.
Over time, these infected pockets can eat away at the strength of your teeth, eventually leading to tooth decay and loss.
What causes gum disease?
Gum disease can be caused by many conditions or situations, including:
- Poor oral hygiene
- Smoking
- Certain illnesses, especially those that affect your body’s immune system
- Hormonal shifts
- Certain medications
While it’s good to know what can cause gum disease, timely prevention and treatment are very important to stop the disease from progressing to the point where it causes lasting damage.
What are the symptoms of gum disease?
There are many symptoms of gum disease that can alert you to the problem, allowing you to take action before damage has occurred. Signs and symptoms include:
- Swollen or tender gums
- Bleeding gums while brushing
- Bad breath
- Receding gums
- Pockets between your gums and teeth
- Loose teeth
Even if you don’t have any of these symptoms, it’s still possible to have gum disease. Regular checkups are important for maintaining the hygiene and health of your mouth.
How can I manage or treat gum disease?
Fortunately, gum disease can be managed quite effectively. One of the best ways to manage gum disease is by preventing it in the first place. Brushing and flossing twice per day is very important to control the plaque buildup that leads to gum disease, and in addition you should schedule professional cleanings twice a year.
Quitting smoking, reducing stress, and maintaining a well-balanced diet are also very important in preventing gum disease, both directly and also by helping your immune system be more effective in fighting off any infections that may occur in your mouth. If your gum disease has become more progressed, there are many more advanced surgical and nonsurgical treatments that can help to maintain the health of your mouth.
Call or schedule a consultation online today to learn more about how you can prevent and treat gum disease.