Q: Why should I worry about gum disease?
Periodontal, or gum, disease is a serious concern. Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss. Like other physical ailments, the earlier it’s identified, the more successful will be the outcome. Gum disease ranges from mild, called gingivitis in its beginning stage, to severe. Regular visits to a dentist are essential for many reasons, one of them being that the onset of gum disease is not detectable to the untrained eye.
The primary cause of gum disease is plaque accumulation on and between teeth and gums. You can get rid of most plaque with brushing and flossing. When plaque hardens, it’s called tartar or calculus. The bacteria in tartar produce toxins that attack the gum tissue and bones that support your teeth. This is the gingivitis phase of the disease. When bacterial infection of the gums spreads well below the gum line and affects the jawbone, the condition is called periodontitis. That’s when the gum pulls away from the teeth, creating pockets. Gum disease can cause bleeding and swollen gums and can cause bone loss in the jaw. Ultimately, it leads to tooth loss, can complicate the problems faced by diabetics, and can cause other health problems.
Some people are born with a high susceptibility to periodontal disease. They need a good program of brushing, flossing, and regular dentist visits to minimize the effects of periodontal disease.
If you, your family, or friends need dental care, we would be honored to provide you with state-of-the-art dental care in our modern dental practice. Refer someone you love to someone you trust!
Presented as a service to the community by Doctors Hoover and Yanda,
39 Milford Drive, Hudson, Ohio 44236. 330-650-0360.
