Periodontal disease, better known as gum disease can cause many problems for your oral and overall health. Gum disease is an inflammatory condition involving soft tissues in the mouth around the teeth. If not treated in its early stages, gum disease will progress and can cause serious problems for the jawbone.
As the leading cause of tooth loss amongst adults, periodontal disease is best caught in the early stages. Periodontal disease affects the gums, bone, and teeth. Often during the early stages, there is little to no pain, but if left untreated, the condition can get worse. Teeth can even begin to loosen and fall out due to advanced periodontal disease.
Periodontal disease is caused by plaque, the film of bacteria that develops on your teeth. When you eat and drink, the sugars combine with the bacteria in your mouth. The bacteria in plaque release toxins which irritate and inflame the gums. When plaque is not removed daily through brushing and flossing, it hardens and becomes calculus which can only be removed during a professional dental cleaning.
As more plaque builds up, it can cause gum tissue to separate and create pockets. Bacteria collects in these pockets and eventually destroys the gum and teeth.
Every case of periodontal disease is different, but there are some key symptoms that help us diagnose and treat this condition. You may experience bleeding or tender gums, gum tissue that begins to pull away from your teeth, constant bad breath, pus in between teeth and gums, and loose or separating teeth.
Advanced forms of gum disease can be related to other health problems. Patients who suffer from gum disease may also suffer from diabetes, heart disease, or strokes.
In order to keep your mouth healthy and free from gum disease, we recommend brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing at least once a day. Since periodontal disease can come without warning, it is also highly recommended to have regular professional dental cleanings and examinations.
If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, or simply want to learn more about periodontal disease, give us a call at (419) 445-8176.
At Archbold Family Dental, we are committed to giving you the best possible dental care experience.
