Don’t Invite Gingivitis Or Play With Periodontal Disease!

Created on October 15, 2015

Your mouth. It’s chock full of bacteria, germs and food particles that stick around long after you have eaten, paving the way for bad breath and that sticky film known as plaque – is the number one cause of dental decay, gingivitis and periodontal disease.

Periodontal diseases range from simple gum inflammation to a serious condition that results in major damage to the soft tissue and bone that support the teeth. In the worst cases, teeth are lost.

Brushing and flossing regularly can help get rid of plaque, but plaque that is not removed can form tartar which can only be removed by a dentist or a hygienist. The longer plaque and tartar remain on your teeth, the more harmful they become.

Plaque, bacteria and tartar can cause gingivitis, an inflammation of the gums.

• Signs to look for are gums that bleed easily and are tender, swollen and red.
• Gingivitis is the mildest form of gum disease that does not include any loss of bone or tissue that hold the teeth in place. It is easily treated and can usually be reversed with good dental habits.
• However, if gingivitis is not treated, it can advance to periodontitis, inflammation around the tooth.

Periodontitis causes gums to pull away from the teeth which causes pockets to form at the gum line that may become infected. The body’s immune system fights the bacteria as the plaque grows. This natural response to infection starts to break down the connective tissue and bone that hold the teeth in place. If left untreated, tissue, gums and bone are destroyed.

Poor oral hygiene is the most common cause of periodontal disease. Pregnant women, people with diabetes, smokers, people being treated for cancer and those whose immune system is compromised are also vulnerable.

The earlier it is caught, the easier periodontal disease is to treat. Be on the lookout for:

• A bad taste in your mouth
• Sensitive teeth
• Bad breath (halitosis)
• Recessed gums
• Bleeding, swollen, red gums

Concerned you may have periodontal disease? Want to learn more?
Call Taylor Street Dental for a consultation appointment (413) 241-3264.

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