Why Does Gum Disease Matter?

What many call “gum disease” is also known at your dentist’s office as periodontal disease.  The health of your gums is a crucial component of your oral health and even the overall health of your entire body.  Your teeth are supported by an infrastructure of bone, gums, and ligaments that are technically referred to as the periodontium.  It is of the utmost importance that this infrastructure be kept clean and healthy.

What Indicates Gum Disease?

The following symptoms can alert your dentist to the possibility of unhealthy gums:  red gums, gums that begin bleeding quickly, chronic bad breath, gums that are pulling away from the tooth structure, teeth that have gradually changed their alignment.

How Serious Is Gum Disease?

You definitely want to keep an eye out for gum disease, and you should not ignore symptoms of unhealthy gums.  Ignoring gum disease can lead to serious problems throughout the mouth and body.  However, the good news is that it is usually quite possible to return unhealthy gums to a natural and healthy state if proper treatment is carried out.

What Is The Best Way To Prevent Gum Disease?

Without question, good oral hygiene is the simplest and most effective treatment for gum disease.  Thorough attention to proper brushing, flossing, and rinsing will keep your gums healthy and happy.  A lack of attention to these good habits can soon bring about sore and unhealthy gums.

What Causes Gum Disease?

There are a variety of factors that can cause gum problems to develop.  Unhealthy gums can develop as a result of an increase in your stress level.  In some cases, the hormonal changes of a pregnancy or the onset of puberty can also affect your gum health.  There are also medications that can increase your risk of gum disease.  Without a doubt, there are nutritional deficiencies that can have a major impact on the health of your gums.  Your dentist will be able to diagnose the root cause and help you develop a treatment plan.