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Gum disease is a common dental condition that affects the tissues and bones supporting the teeth. It causes infection and inflammation in the gums and weakens the bones. Gum disease is of two types: gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease. It causes inflammation, redness, and bleeding of the gums. Periodontitis is a severe form of gum disease. It causes redness, swelling, inflammation, bleeding, and pus discharge of the gums. The disease occurs when the bacteria in the mouth form plaque on the teeth. The plaque makes the gums and teeth weak. These bacteria destroy the gum tissues and bones supporting the teeth. 

Poor Oral Hygiene

There are many different ways for harmful bacteria to become trapped in the mouth. If you have poor brushing and flossing habits, these bacteria aren’t able to be removed from your mouth. This allows plaque to accumulate on your teeth, and if it isn’t removed with a toothbrush or floss, it hardens into tartar within 24 hours. This tartar coats the gum line and is incredibly difficult to remove on your own. Your dentist uses professional tools to remove the buildup and check for gingivitis.

If left untreated, the bacteria in the tartar can cause periodontitis. This is a serious condition that can destroy the bone around your teeth. This can lead to further tooth loss and other oral health problems. In order to prevent this damage from happening, it’s important to have regular cleanings and checkups with your dental team.

If you’ve been experiencing any of the symptoms above, call our office right away to schedule your appointment. Our team of highly trained professionals is eager to care for your smile!

Don’t forget to visit our blog for more great oral health tips and information.

Smoking

If you’re a smoker, your risk for gum disease increases dramatically compared to non-smokers. In fact, smokers are five times more likely to get periodontal disease than non-smokers! This increased risk is due to several factors – smoking decreases blood flow throughout the body, and that includes your gums; it also weakens your immune system, making your chances of contracting infections much higher. Furthermore, tobacco stains your teeth and causes bad breath while causing gum tissue to recede and exposing more of your tooth’s root surface to the bacteria that dwell in plaque. 

Genetics

Some patients are born with gums that are naturally more prone to gum disease than others. These patients have an increased risk of developing gum disease, and they may require more preventative dental care than other patients.

Patients with a family history of gum disease are more likely to struggle with it themselves. However, this does not mean that patients with no family risk cannot develop the disease. Patients have complete control over their dental health and are responsible for maintaining healthy teeth and gums.

Certain Medications

Medications like antidepressants, antihistamines, and high blood pressure pills can cause dry mouth as a side effect. This puts you at risk of developing gum disease. If you are taking any of these medications, talk with your dentist about what you can do to protect your teeth and keep your mouth healthy. Your dentist may recommend alternating between different medications to see if one causes less dryness in your mouth. You can also ask your doctor if there are alternatives that may be less likely to cause dry mouth.

Schedule an appointment with Premier Dental Group HI if you are looking for a dentist. Contact us from your nearest location or visit our website to book an appointment.