Gum disease is a common oral health condition that is caused by bacterial infection. You’re probably familiar with how cavities develop. Bacteria build up on your teeth and eventually wear a hole in your dental enamel. The same type of damaging bacterial activity can happen to your gums. If bacteria buildup around or below your gum line, they can cause your gums to become inflamed. You’ll experience a swollen, red appearance and pain. This is known as gingivitis. Not only can gingivitis cause serious harm to your teeth and gums, but it can increase your overall health risk factors.
Gum Disease Poses a Risk for Your Teeth and Gums
First and foremost, gum disease poses a risk for your teeth and gums. Like tooth decay, gum disease is a progressive condition that will get worse with time. As bacterial activity continues beneath your gum line, the connective tissue between your teeth and jaw bone starts to deteriorate. Eventually, your gingivitis may advance to periodontitis. This condition causes the loss of jawbone mass. This may lead to your teeth eventually falling out. While you can manage periodontitis, you cannot reverse it.
Gum Disease Poses a Risk for Your Overall Health
It’s not just your teeth and gums that are at risk when you develop gum disease. There have been demonstrated links between gum disease and other health conditions throughout your body. When your gums are chronically inflamed, it can cause changes in the composition of your blood that may lead to other health conditions. While the link has not been proven to this point, health professionals have noticed an association between individuals with gum disease and individuals with heart disease.
Factors That Commonly Lead to Gum Disease
Avoiding gum disease is the best way to avoid the serious consequences that come with it, so it’s important to know what factors lead to gum disease. Bad oral hygiene is one, but the use of tobacco products is another common cause. Obesity and stress are other risk factors that you can be aware of as you mitigate your own risk for gum disease. Diabetics should also be aware of their periodontal health, as it can often be more difficult to heal from infections. If you notice any of the signs of gum disease, reach out to your dentist as soon as possible.
Deep Cleaning at Rodem Tree Dental
Early detection is key when it comes to gum disease. If you treat the condition early on, you can reverse it before you start to lose jawbone mass. At Rodem Tree Dental, we provide deep cleanings to remove bacterial buildup beneath the gum line and restore the connections between tooth and bone. Schedule an appointment with Rodem Tree Dental in Rowlett, TX by calling 972-475-2321.
