Posted on 8/7/2023 by Kenneth D. Parrish, DMD, PhD
If you don't brush and floss your teeth, food debris will accumulate on your teeth. Over time the food and dirt harden and turns to tartar and plaque, which produce harmful bacteria. The bacteria infect your gum tissues and cause redness and bleeding.
What are the Causes of Gum Disease?
The primary cause of gum disease is poor oral practices. If you don't clean your teeth, your gums become susceptible to infection. If the tartar and plaque remain on your teeth for an extended period, they will irritate your gingiva leading to the swelling of the gums. Other problems that may occur are tooth cavities and decay.
It is also crucial to note that there are several risk factors for gum disease, such as smoking, poor eating habits, dry mouth, and genetics. Any issue should be addressed early enough before gum disease progresses to periodontitis.
Treatment of Gum Disease
Treatment depends on the gum disease stage and whether the jawbone is affected; for gingivitis, which is simply the infection and swelling of the gum tissues, antibiotics, and professional dental cleaning can help treat the disease.
A dental expert will resort to other advanced treatment methods, such as surgery for severe gum disease. One major surgery that can help resolve the problem is pocket reduction surgery. The surgical approach helps to expose your teeth' roots and reshape the underlying bone. With the surgery, it is possible to restore your gums to a healthy condition and even ensure the infections don't spread to other areas of your body.
Gum disease progressively affects the gums and tissues of your mouth and, in advanced stages, can cause loose teeth, the recession of the gums, and bone loss. Early management offers the best results for patients. Ensure you visit your dentists twice yearly; they can identify any signs of gum disease early enough and treat it.
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