One of the most common disorders you’ll come across when reading about dentistry is “gum disease.” Have you ever really stopped to ponder exactly what gum disease is? Knowing the basics of periodontal disease will help you in wrapping your head around a lot of what dentists do, and it should also help you know better how to keep your oral cavity fresh. Here’s a quick breakdown on everything you need to know about gum disease:
-Gum disease is a bacterial infection of the gums where acids have overstayed their welcome in the mouth and grown under the gum line, forming sacks of decay between your pearly whites and gums.
-Though it’s still harmful, the damage from the first phase of gum disease (gingivitis) is typically reversible by treatment from your dentist.
-The second stage of gum disease normally causes permanent harm to the teeth, bones and gums, and when left unchecked, it can advance to progressive periodontitis or chronic periodontitis.
-The early phases of periodontal disease show signs in the form of red, bloody, painful and/or swollen gums.
-The people most at risk for forming periodontal disease are those older than 70, men and those with dry mouth.
-You can greatly diminish your risk of contracting gum disease by following good dental hygiene habits. Brush your teeth twice per day, floss once daily and visit our office for cleanings every six months.
We hope this post has been enlightening for you. To schedule your next cleaning with Dr. Latino, contact our Chad Latino DDS office in Waco, Texas. We’ll help you understand everything you need to know about gum disease, through our preventive dentistry and gum care services.
