Gum Disease
The word "periodontal" literally means "around the tooth." Periodontal (gum) diseases are serious infections that, left untreated, can lead to tooth loss and have grave overall health implications.
Gum disease can affect one tooth or many teeth. It is a chronic bacterial infection that degrades the gums and bone supporting the teeth. Periodontal disease begins when bacteria in plaque (the sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth) causes the gums to become inflamed.
Gingivitis is the mildest form of periodontal disease. The gums become red, swollen, and bleed easily. There is usually little or no discomfort at this stage, but possibly bad breath. The most common cause of gingivitis is inadequate oral hygiene. Use of tobacco, poor nutrition, medical conditions, and genetic predisposition can also play a role. Gingivitis is reversible with professional treatment and good oral home care. Daily brushing and flossing, regular dental examinations and cleanings, and use of prescribed antiseptic mouth rinses can keep it in check.
Untreated gingivitis advances to periodontitis. With time, plaque can spread and grow below the gum line. Toxins produced by the bacteria in plaque irritate the gums. The toxins stimulate a chronic inflammatory response in which the body in essence turns on itself and the tissues, bone that support the teeth are broken down and destroyed. Gums separate from the teeth, forming pockets (spaces between the teeth and gums) that become infected. As the disease progresses, the pockets deepen and more gum tissue and bone are destroyed. Often, this destructive process has very mild symptoms. But eventually, teeth can become loose and may have to be removed.
At this phase, the infection enters the blood stream and can become systemic. Gum disease is linked to overall health complications such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and Alzheimer's, and other chronic inflammatory illnesses.
Gum disease is widespread, gum disease is silent, and gum disease is serious. Talk with the compassionate doctors and staff at Pure Gold Professionals in Dentistry. When you prevent and manage periodontal disease, you preserve your teeth and your health.
Gum disease can affect one tooth or many teeth. It is a chronic bacterial infection that degrades the gums and bone supporting the teeth. Periodontal disease begins when bacteria in plaque (the sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth) causes the gums to become inflamed.
Gingivitis is the mildest form of periodontal disease. The gums become red, swollen, and bleed easily. There is usually little or no discomfort at this stage, but possibly bad breath. The most common cause of gingivitis is inadequate oral hygiene. Use of tobacco, poor nutrition, medical conditions, and genetic predisposition can also play a role. Gingivitis is reversible with professional treatment and good oral home care. Daily brushing and flossing, regular dental examinations and cleanings, and use of prescribed antiseptic mouth rinses can keep it in check.
Untreated gingivitis advances to periodontitis. With time, plaque can spread and grow below the gum line. Toxins produced by the bacteria in plaque irritate the gums. The toxins stimulate a chronic inflammatory response in which the body in essence turns on itself and the tissues, bone that support the teeth are broken down and destroyed. Gums separate from the teeth, forming pockets (spaces between the teeth and gums) that become infected. As the disease progresses, the pockets deepen and more gum tissue and bone are destroyed. Often, this destructive process has very mild symptoms. But eventually, teeth can become loose and may have to be removed.
At this phase, the infection enters the blood stream and can become systemic. Gum disease is linked to overall health complications such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and Alzheimer's, and other chronic inflammatory illnesses.
Gum disease is widespread, gum disease is silent, and gum disease is serious. Talk with the compassionate doctors and staff at Pure Gold Professionals in Dentistry. When you prevent and manage periodontal disease, you preserve your teeth and your health.
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