Categories: Gum Disease

What You Should Know About Gum Disease

It would be foolish to believe that the only threat to our oral health is dental decay. As a matter of fact, our grins endure a significant amount of wear and tear over the years that can ultimately lead to their demise. From chronic bruxism to sleep apnea, internal infections and even gum disease, it is imperative you stay on top of your preventive dental routine to pave the way for a lifelong grin. In today’s blog, your Northwest IN dentist will take a look at the occurrence of gum disease and what you need to know to prevent it from damaging your teeth.

When Bacteria Attacks Your Roots

Like a number of oral health concerns, periodontal disease begins with harmful bacteria wreaking havoc on your teeth. Indeed, bacteria are present in every grin, and it would be virtually impossible to remove them all. Because of this, the next best step is to stay on top of preventive care to keep them at bay.

The onset of periodontal disease typically involves these microorganisms working their way below the surface of your gums and attaching themselves to the roots of your teeth. Here, they receive unintentional protection from standard brushing and flossing, allowing them to thrive unbothered. Down the line, these bacteria will cause a buildup of plaque and tartar to develop. During this stage, you will begin to experience the negative side effects of the disease as well, including bleeding or inflamed gums, separation of teeth from the tissues that house them, and even falling out teeth. For more information about this process, contact our team today.

Not Flossing Can Be Detrimental

Excellent preventive care at home means more than just brushing your teeth – it means understanding why flossing is also important. Whenever you consume food, more often than not food particles will become stuck or lodged in-between structures. When this occurs, harmful bacteria are attracted to your gums to feed off of these particles, and subsequently make their way beneath the gums. In other words, flossing after every meal is necessary in preserving your oral health!

Fortunately, it is Avoidable

While periodontal disease may be one of the most common dental concerns, it can be avoided with proper care. Attending routine office visits as well as keeping up with excellent habits at home can provide the added strength you need to protect your grin. What’s more, you may also seek treatment such as scaling and root planing that allow your dentist to treat this concern by removing deposits of plaque and tartar.