Gum disease is an infection of the tissues that surround and support your teeth. This gum disease is a major cause of tooth loss in adults. Because gum disease is usually painless, one may not know that he/she has it. Also referred to as periodontal disease, gum disease is caused by plaque, the sticky film of bacteria that is constantly forming on our teeth.
Some Warning Signs of Gum Disease:
- Gums that bleed easily.
- Red, swollen, tender gums.
- Gums that have pulled away from the teeth.
- Persistent bad breath or bad taste.
- Permanent teeth that are loose or separating; any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite.
- Any change in the fit of partial dentures.
Factors that Increase the Risk of Developing Gum Disease:
- Poor oral hygiene.
- Smoking or chewing tobacco.
- Genetics.
- Crooked teeth that are hard to keep clean.
- Pregnancy.
- Diabetes.
- Medications, including steroids, certain types of anti-epilepsy drugs, cancer therapy drugs, some calcium channel blockers and oral contraceptives.
Contact us or see your dentist if you suspect you have gum disease because the sooner you treat it the better, especially to avoid early tooth loss. Regular scaling and polishing together with other therapy can go a long way in preventing gum disease.
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