As we have stated many times throughout our blog, keeping your oral health in good condition is critical in maintaining good overall health. In particular, gum disease, also referred to as periodontal disease, gingivitis, periodontitis, or pyorrhea, can be detrimental to your overall health by causing many other, more serious, diseases to develop.
Did you know that periodontal disease is caused by different bacteria than cavities? As a result of this, people may have more of these bad bacteria that attack their tissues breaking down the support and protection around the tooth. This allows the bacteria to go deeper and break down the bone around the tooth as well. People with compromised immune systems, like uncontrolled diabetics, are very susceptible to rapid breakdown and destruction of bone and tissues around the teeth.
Your teeth are much like icebergs. No, they aren’t cold and home to polar bears and penguins. However, like icebergs, much of your teeth are not visible and exist underneath the surface of your gums. Due to this, it is important to keep both your teeth and your gums in excellent condition. If you do not keep your gums in good shape, you may notice them becoming inflamed and bleeding while your brush or floss. If you notice these things, and do not seek treatment, your gum disease can result in many more serious health conditions.
What Causes Gum Disease?
If excess plaque and tartar build up on your teeth and along your gum line, it will cause gum disease to start developing. As plaque and tartar build up, they will excrete acid that aggravates your gums. Unfortunately, this is just the beginning of the problems that plaque and tartar will cause. As your gums get more and more aggravated, they will recede away from your teeth—this is known as gum recession. Gum recession is an inflammatory reaction that will create tiny pockets, where even more plaque and tartar can gather.
As gum disease develops, and your symptoms worsen, you need to look for signs and seek treatment. If you notice your gums bleeding during your hygiene care, this should be a sign to get your gums checked. Gums are not supposed to bleed while you brush or floss, this is not normal and should be cause for concern. If you do not seek treatment, you may start experiencing loss of jaw bone, tooth loss, and develop other health issues like diabetes, heart disease, dementia, and more.
Your best defense against gum disease is to prevent it from developing in the first place. In order to prevent gum disease from developing, you must take exceptional care of your teeth. However, even if you take great care of your teeth, you may still develop gum disease. If you do, it is critical to start receiving deep cleanings at your dentist’s or periodontist’s office. Once gum disease has developed, your routine cleanings at the dentist will no longer effectively clean your teeth.
Do you need a Deep Cleaning in Rockford, IL?
Dr. Sachs in Rockford, IL wants your oral health to be in the best condition as possible. If you are in need of an appointment, feel free to contact us today to schedule a visit.