Gum disease — or periodontal disease — affects millions of Americans. It’s a nasty disease that can lead to symptoms that range from moderate to severe and can lead to larger health issues if left untreated.
The good news is there are steps you can take to avoid it or to treat it if you’re already dealing with it. Here’s what you need to know about gum disease.
Causes and Symptoms
Gum disease can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor oral hygiene, smoking, diabetes, stress, genetics, immune deficiencies, and more. When bacteria stay on teeth for too long, they form a film called plaque, which eventually hardens to become tartar. This can spread below the gum line, which can make it even more difficult to clean.
Symptoms for gum disease include swollen, inflamed, or tender gums; loose teeth; bad breath; painful chewing; sensitive teeth; gums pulling away from teeth; or a change in how your teeth fit together.
While most of the issues caused by gum disease are oral-related, such as potential tooth loss, others are more serious. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and increased risk of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke.
Treatment
The easiest way to prevent gum disease is to be proactive and practice good oral hygiene. That means brushing twice a day, flossing, using mouth wash, and visiting the dentist regularly. But once you are dealing with gum disease, it’s not something you can treat on your own. You’re going to need to see a dental professional for a “deep cleaning,” also known as scaling and root planning, which will involve the dentist using special techniques to get rid of plaque, tartar, and bacterial below the gum line down to your tooth roots.
If you believe you are suffering from gum disease, Capital Dental Group in Bakersfield, CA is the place to go for treatment. Our team of general dentists and dental specialists, which includes a periodontist, will ensure your teeth and gums are in good health. We offer in-house financing and a Membership Club for patients without dental insurance. Give us a call at 661-861-8000 to schedule an appointment today!