Gum Disease Can Lead To Numerous Problems
Gum disease is a common problem throughout the country, impacting over 50{3b0f9398becb40f4bdd8fe95c600d2c252c33730296b97da1b334948809cb5c4} of Americans. Unfortunately, many don’t realize that they suffer from the disease. Gum disease is a serious oral health problem that, if left untreated, can lead to more serious complications.
Different Types Of Gum Disease
There are two main types of gum disease. Gingivitis is the most common form. It can lead to the development of periodontal disease, which is the most serious form of gum disease.
Gingivitis is the mildest form of gum disease and typically is caused by poor oral hygiene.
Fortunately, gingivitis can be treated by a dentist. Your dentist will provide professional treatments and suggest additions you can make to your at-home routine.
If you have diabetes, are a smoker, are pregnant, or suffer from systemic diseases and conditions, you may be at an increased risk of developing gingivitis. You should be more aware that you can develop gingivitis, and frequently visit your dentist for routine checkups and cleanings.
Periodontal disease is significantly worse than gingivitis. When plaque invades the area beneath the gum line, toxins invoke a chronic inflammatory response that causes the rapid breakdown of surrounding bone and tissue. As this area begins to breakdown, pockets form between the teeth and the gums.
These pockets then fill with bacteria and become infected, which accelerates the decomposition of the remaining gum tissue and bone. As the gums and tissues break down, teeth will loosen and may need to be removed. Because the bone and tissue have deteriorated, it may be difficult to replace the missing teeth with implants.
Additionally, once teeth begin to fall out, patients can suffer from a variety of other oral health problems. Their surrounding teeth will begin to shift into space once occupied by the tooth that was lost. As this happens, the face can appear to be sunken in, as the existing jawbone begins to collapse.
Once other teeth begin to shift, they will become more difficult to keep clean. Teeth that have shifted can also lead to alignment issues, which could then cause TBJ or sleep apnea.
Symptoms Of Gum Disease
When gum disease first begins to take hold, it is not painful, which means it can be difficult to detect. If you notice any of the following while brushing, you should immediately contact your local dentist in Thousand Oaks, CA.
• Gums that are sensitive to the touch, or otherwise red, swollen, or tender
• Bleeding while eating, flossing, or brushing
• Receding gums that cause the teeth to look longer than normal
• Teeth that have become loose
• Sores that are visible
• Bad breath that cannot seem to be cured
• Pus between your teeth and your gums
Most people ignore these warning signs until it is too late. If you visit your dentist as soon as you notice one of these signs, they’ll be able to help correct the issue before it develops into something much more serious.