Adequately caring for your smile all starts with nurturing a strong dental foundation. When your gums aren’t strong and healthy, your entire maxillofacial structure can suffer and begin to break down. In this short article, our Glendale dentists are sharing information about the threat of gum disease, and what you can do about it.
How does gum disease develop?
Just as harmful bacteria infect our teeth and cause cavities, they can also infiltrate oral tissues and lead to gum disease. These bacteria feed on sugars and refined carbohydrates. The more sugars and carbohydrates you consume, the faster they are able to grow and multiply. As you would imagine, as time goes on it gets harder and harder for your immune system to neutralize these bacteria.
What are the symptoms of gum disease?
Gum disease can manifest in a number of ways, depending on the severity of the infection. One of the first issues that you may notice is swollen and red gum tissue. Your gums may also be tender to the touch.
Another commonly experienced symptom is gum tissue bleeding. And, of course, hard-to-treat bad breath is a sign that you have an overabundance of icky bacteria in your mouth. Advanced periodontal disease results in your gums pulling away from your teeth and forming “periodontal pockets.”
Pay attention to any changes that you notice regarding your oral health. You know, for example, what your gum tissue usually looks like. So, if you notice that it is redder than usual, this is a sign that you need to contact your dental team. Over time untreated periodontal disease only becomes more severe; it can eventually cause the connective tissues that hold your teeth in place to loosen.
How do you treat gum disease?
Effective gum disease treatment is all about diminishing the number of bacteria in your mouth, while simultaneously supporting your body’s natural healing ability. Depending on the level of infection with which you are dealing, our team may recommend that you use specific tools or toothpastes and rinses to clean your smile at home. You may also need to undergo professional cleanings more frequently than patients with healthy smiles.
Our Glendale gum disease dentists are here to answer your questions, and to get you started on your way to oral health. We look forward to speaking with you!