Over 75% of all adults have some form of gum disease. Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a bacterial infection in the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. If you have swollen and bleeding gums, you may have gum disease.
Stages of Gum Disease:
- Gingivitis: characterized by gum tissue that is red, puffy, and bleeds easily when touched with a toothbrush, floss, or dental instrument.
- Periodontitis: if you have infected gums and leave them untreated, the infection will eventually reach the roots of your teeth. This causes receding gums.
- Advanced Periodontitis: the infection will cause plaque buildup within your gums, and this plaque will damage the bones holding your teeth in place.
After periodontal disease reaches advanced periodontitis, you will start losing bone, and potentially teeth.
Preventing Periodontal Disease
Proper and daily oral hygiene is a must for anyone who wants to avoid gum disease. Everyone should brush their teeth at least twice a day, and floss at least once a day. This prevents plaque from building up on your gums or below your gum line, and preventative cleaning can go a long way toward reducing your risk for periodontal disease!
Regular dental exams and cleanings are another great way to prevent gum disease. By having a dental hygienist clean your teeth and remove tartar, you’re preventing bacteria from infecting your gums.
Treating Gum Disease
Periodontal disease can cause serious loss of your teeth and bone. This disease has also been linked to heart disease, strokes, and complications with pregnancy. Don’t let gum disease scare you away from the dentist–technology has advanced in many ways throughout the dental industry, and at Premier Dental, we will use every method available to save and care for your gums and teeth.
If you have periodontal disease, we can stop the infection quickly with our state-of-the-art techniques. Contact Premier Dental Care for your regularly scheduled dentist check-up, especially if you’re experiencing symptoms of gum disease. We can help!
