Did you know that advanced gum disease, or periodontitis, is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults? This condition occurs when bacteria in your mouth form plaque on your connective tissues that causes an infection. If left untreated, your gums eventually recede from your enamel to escape the disease, leaving your teeth without a firm enough foundation to remain rooted in place.
But that’s not the only fascinating fact about gum disease your might not already have known! Continue reading to learn 3 interesting tidbits about this common oral issue to help avoid developing it.
Fact #1: It’s Preventable
Most dental problems, including gum disease, don’t typically resolve themselves but tend to progressively worsen the longer they go unaddressed. Not only that, but gingivitis, the earliest stage, often goes undetected because it doesn’t exhibit noticeable symptoms right away.
That means periodontal concerns frequently are able to progress to more advanced stages. Thankfully, you can avoid developing it to begin with by brushing and flossing twice daily to regularly remove plaque and bacteria that contribute to many common oral issues.
Fact #2: It Can Be Genetic
Did you know that if members of your family have gum disease, you might also be at a higher risk of developing periodontal problems? Your genetic makeup can play a significant role in your dental health. For instance, some families are prone to certain deficiencies in their immune responses that make infections, like periodontitis, more likely. Plus, this condition is also linked with other health concerns, like diabetes, which can also has a genetic component.
Whether or not you’ve inherited a predisposition to gum disease, visiting your dentist every six months for a routine checkup and cleaning allows them to monitor your condition to catch and treat issues early.
Fact #3: Advanced Forms Can Be Managed, Not Cured
Have you noticed that your gums bleed when you brush or floss or that they appear darker or puffier than usual? If you notice changes in your connective tissues, you should contact your dentist sooner rather than later to avoid progressive periodontal problems.
This is because gum disease can be halted, or even reversed, if it’s caught early enough. For instance, treatments like scaling and root planing can clear away germs and encourage the tissues to reconnect to your enamel. However, if it has already progressed to a certain point, your dentist can help you manage it, but there may be no permanent cure.
If you’re concerned that you might have developed this common dental concern, it’s time to schedule a checkup with your dentist!
About the Practice
Patients at Sage Dental Care benefit from two dentists who stive to improve patients’ lives by enhancing their dental health. Dr. Branco and Dr. Kim share 20+ years of combined experience providing a comprehensive menu of services to people of all ages to help them build and maintain happy, healthy smiles, including periodontal therapies. Their compassionate approach is combined with advanced technology to deliver comfortable treatment results you can trust. You can request an appointment on the website or by calling the office at (775) 677-0790.