Gum disease, also called periodontitis, is an infection and inflammation of the gums that damages the soft tissue around your teeth. Nearly half of all American adults have some form of gum disease, and it is the leading cause of tooth loss. Although those statistics may sound alarming, gum disease is treatable and preventable. The best way to prevent it is by keeping up with your oral hygiene routine and making regular visits to your dentist in Massachusetts.
Let’s take a closer look at the causes of gum disease and how your dentist in Massachusetts can help you prevent it.
Bacteria Buildup
Like most oral hygiene issues, gum disease starts with plaque buildup. Plaque is a colorless sticky film of bacteria that accumulates on your teeth. If you don’t remove plaque through regular brushing and flossing, it hardens into tartar. Once you reach that stage, brushing and flossing won’t be enough, and a dentist has to remove it through a procedure called scaling. Scaling is a conventional periodontal therapy that doesn’t require surgery.
Toxins and Inflammation
Before developing into periodontitis, gum disease starts as gingivitis. Gingivitis develops because plaque and tartar release toxins that irritate your gums, causing inflammation. It progresses to periodontitis when the inflammation moves below the gum line, destroying the bone and tissue that supports your teeth. Damage below the gum line is treatable but not reversible, so you should consult your dentist when you first notice inflammation and sensitivity in your gums.
Risk Factors
Several risk factors can increase your chance of developing gum disease. Knowing what they are can help you prevent it before an infection causes permanent damage to your teeth. Here are some of the most common:
- Poor oral hygiene
- Smoking and tobacco use
- Genetic predisposition
- Poor nutrition
- Stress
Some of these risk factors are things you can control. Regular and adequate oral hygiene is the most important way to prevent plaque from building up on your teeth. In addition to the other health risks of smoking, it can weaken your immune system, making it harder for your gums to heal and, therefore, more susceptible to infections. However, there are some factors that are out of your control, such as genetic predisposition. Some people are more prone to infections and gum inflammation, so it’s important to visit your dentist regularly for cleanings and preventative care.
Smile Boutique | Dentist in Massachusetts
Although millions of Americans have some form of gum disease, it is easily preventable and treatable. At Smile Boutique, we believe in getting ahead of oral issues before they happen, so we focus on preventative care. Contact us at 781-729-1444 to request an appointment today and reclaim control of your oral health.
