What is Gum Disease?

If your dentist says you have periodontitis, this means that you are suffering from gum disease. Often brought about by gingivitis, which is gum inflammation, it can become serious if not properly treated with regular teeth cleanings in Mountain View. In fact, untreated gum disease can result in tooth loss, resulting in the need for more extensive dental treatment. To avoid this scenario, here is what you need to know about gum disease, including its symptoms, causes, and treatment options.

What is Gum Disease?

Initiated by bacterial growth in your mouth, gum disease often occurs when gingivitis is left untreated. However, not everyone who gets gingivitis ultimately gets gum disease. However, when you fail to properly brush and floss, what begins as bleeding gums turns into plaque building up around your teeth, turning into tartar that eats away at the outer shell of your teeth, causing decay. Over time, your teeth begin to actually separate from your gums, leading to tooth loss.

What Causes Gum Disease?

While the primary cause of gum disease is poor oral hygiene habits associated with brushing and flossing, other factors can also come into play. These include using tobacco products and smoking, certain health conditions such as diabetes, and even being pregnant since hormone changes during this time can make a woman more susceptible to bacteria growth on the gum line. The simple fact is that, with regular teeth cleanings in Mountain View, most people need never get gum disease, even if they have other risk factors.

Gum Disease Symptoms

Though it is possible to have gum disease without exhibiting any symptoms, most people begin to notice certain problems that indicate its presence. The most common symptoms include gums that are tender or swollen, pain when chewing, foul-smelling breath, gums that are pulling away from teeth, and loose teeth.

Can Gum Disease be Treated?

Yes. Once gum disease is present, you should immediately start practicing improved brushing and flossing habits. Along with this, your dentist can also perform a deep cleaning of your teeth, prescribe antibiotics to help with infection, and recommend other treatments as needed.

If you begin to notice your gums bleeding or other problems mentioned above, don’t procrastinate and think they will disappear on their own. Instead, schedule an appointment with your dentist in Mountain View to get the necessary treatment.