Gum disease afflicts more than half of us, yet most are not aware there is a battle being waged daily in our mouths. Prevent your mouth from being a sore loser — untreated gum disease causes decay, tooth loss, pain and bleeding. The Yuba City Dentistry Group is here to help.
The Stages of Gum Disease
Gum disease starts when plaque, made by oral bacteria, builds up along the gumline. Infrequent tooth brushing and flossing contributes to plaque hardening into tartar, also called calculus. Plaque and calculus irritate sensitive gum tissues, triggering the immune system to fight the bacterial onslaught. As a side effect, gum pockets become inflamed and grow deeper, leading to tooth decay and recession.
In its early stages, the gums become red and bleed during brushing and flossing. When gum pockets are enlarged, the gumline becomes loose around the teeth. Bacteria gain access to the roots and can even start to damage the jawbone. If your mouth is at this stage, you have periodontitis, severe gum disease. Infected tooth roots create a damaged foundation for your teeth. Loss of jaw bone loosens teeth and eventually they fall out or need to be extracted. All this is a painful reminder of why daily oral care is so important.
Are Genetics Involved?
Research studies show our genes may influence our oral health. Some people may be prone to gum disease, but gum disease is still preventable. When a person brushes and flosses daily, and visits the dentist regularly, they can avoid gum disease — it’s as simple as that! The Yuba City Dentistry Group recommends extra cleanings for our patients who need more care to win the war against gum disease. Patients with certain health conditions, like diabetes, should request extra cleanings if they experience gum problems. These “extra reinforcements” from our Yuba City family dentists allow patients to enjoy excellent oral health and keep their teeth for life.
The Yuba City Dentistry Group helps patients have the tools to fight gum disease and win the war against it! Prevent gum disease before it’s too late by making an appointment today for a cleaning and exam. Start the summer off with a clean set of teeth!
0 Comments