Periodontal disease or gum disease as it is commonly called is an oral condition that affects both children and adults. Initially, the symptoms are minor and do not make you alarmed. As the disease advances to its higher stages, it gets more painful. Gum disease can expose your bloodstream to potential infections and put your overall health at risk. Hence, it is essential to identify the causes and prevent its onset.
What Is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is primarily an infection of the gums. This disease occurs in stages. In its earlier stages, you might experience minor swelling and sensitivity. As the infection progresses, the pain increases. You might experience constant bleeding in the advanced stages. It is easy to reverse this disease as soon as it sets in. However, if it is left unmanaged, then surgeries and gum treatments could be your only option.
Stages Of Periodontal Disease
Now that we have a brief overview of gum disease let us take a look at its stages. Depending on the severity, periodontal disease can be divided into four stages. They have been listed below
- Gingivitis
- Early Periodontitis
- Moderate Periodontitis
- Advanced Periodontitis
Gingivitis is the only stage where the disease can be reversed. In its second stage, the disease can still be managed. However, as the infection worsens, the chances of tooth loss increase considerably.
What Causes Gum Disease?
Our dentists at Timber Dental Care believe identifying the causes of the disease can help you to nip it in the bud. Let us take a look at the reasons behind the onset of this disease.
Poor Oral Hygiene
Poor oral hygiene is the primary reason for periodontitis. Irregular brushing and flossing lead to plaque accumulation. Excessive plaque can also turn into tartar which makes your gums susceptible to potential bacterial infection. Hence you must have a good oral care routine in place to avert gingivitis scare.
The Menace Of Tobacco
Tobacco is an extremely harmful substance that is bad for your oral as well as your overall health. We are all aware of how smoking can be harmful to our lungs. Tobacco is capable of causing extensive damage to our gum tissues as well. Quit the habit of smoking to reduce the risks of gum infection today!
Consumption of Certain Medicines
Ingestion of a couple of medicines can decrease saliva production in your mouth. It leads to a dry mouth and paves the way for bacteria breeding. If you are experiencing this condition, then you must consult the dentist immediately. Certain medicines can also lead to abnormal growth of your gum tissues.
Crowded Mouth
Misaligned teeth structure can cause several dental issues in the long run. A crowded mouth increases the risk of plaque buildup. Misaligned teeth make it difficult to remove the leftover food particles. You must take extra measures if you suffer from crooked teeth. Consult the dental hygienist for proper advice.
Underlying Medical Conditions
Several systematic illnesses may affect your oral health. For instance, diseases such as Cancer and HIV can weaken your immune system and expose you to bacterial infections in your mouth. Patients suffering from diabetes are also susceptible to gum infections. Hence, if you are suffering from any underlying medical condition, then you must consult your dentist just to be on the safe side.
Identifying the causes can act as a necessary preventive measure and protect you from periodontitis. Are you still looking for gum disease treatment? Go for the best dental care services in Thornton, CO. Get in touch with us at Timber Dental Care and say goodbye to gum disease today!
