Periodontal (gum) disease can lead to more than just an unsightly smile; it can cause loss of teeth and eventually, if left untreated, serious health problems.
In its early stages, periodontal disease is called gingivitis. It is caused by excessive toxic bacteria found in plaque that attack the mouth’s soft tissues. Many people have some amount of gingivitis. Due to hormonal changes, it can develop during puberty or early adulthood and may persist or recur frequently depending on the health of teeth and gums.
Many risk factors can contribute to the onset of gingivitis such as poor dental hygiene, pregnancy, uncontrolled diabetes, certain medications or bodily infections, misaligned teeth, rough edges of fillings or ill-fitting or unclean mouth appliances like braces, dentures, bridges and crowns.
Signs and symptoms of gingivitis include:
- red, swollen and/or bleeding gums
- mouth sores
- a shiny appearance to gums
- gums that are tender when touched but otherwise painless
More than 75 percent of Americans have some stage of periodontal disease. If left untreated, gingivitis could cause the development of periodonitis, an inflammatory disease affecting the supporting tissue and bones of the teeth. It starts out with minimal symptoms, but the progression of this disease leads to deep pockets between the teeth and gums, and eventual tooth loss. It can even increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Despite the serious health concerns, this disease is largely preventable. If caught early, Goers Dental Care can help reverse the damage. If it is detected late, one of the many effective cosmetic dentistry procedures can be used to restore the patient’s mouth to a healthy, beautiful state.
Goers Dental Care helps keep teeth and gums strong and disease-free. Make an appointment to assess the health of gums and teeth. All treatment options will be discussed, and all questions will be answered during the visit. 630-789-0900