If you’ve ever been accused of having bad breath, rather than be offended, take heed. This is an early indicator of a deeper oral health issues that may be going on. You may have gingivitis, which is the early stage of periodontal (gum) disease. This is the time to see your Norman dentist, and it’s important to act quickly.
What is Periodontal Disease?
Gum disease occurs when plaque build up causes your gum tissue to separate from your tooth, which allows bacteria to attack your root and bone. If left untreated, you may experience bone and tooth loss in the advanced stages of gum disease.
Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease in which you may notice that you have chronic bad breath, your gums are red and swollen, or they bleed when you brush. Treating gum disease is much easier and less invasive in this stage, and with a thorough cleaning and improved home care you may even be able to reverse it.
Periodontitis is the more advanced stage of gum disease, and it’s in this stage that the damage to your teeth and bone begins to occur. The bacteria cause your bone to deteriorate, which causes your teeth to become loose and fall out. Gum disease has also been linked with other serious health concerns such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and stroke.
What Causes Gum Disease?
There are many factors that contribute to gum disease. Besides certain factors such as genetics and stress, there are other things that can contribute to and increase your risk for gum disease. These are:
- Poor nutrition
- Certain medications
- Clenching and grinding
- Smoking and tobacco use
- Crooked or misaligned teeth
- Hormones
- Poor oral hygiene
How is Gum Disease Treated?
Prevention is the best medicine when it comes to periodontal disease. Regular visits to your dental provider are your best line of defense against oral health issues such as gum disease and tooth decay because your dentist can detect these issues much earlier than you can. The earlier you detect these issues, the better your chances are for less invasive and less costly treatment. Gingivitis can be treated with a thorough professional cleaning and improved home care, while periodontitis will require a deeper cleaning below the gum line.
Dr. Bobby J. Carmen and his team are prepared to help you through any stage of gum disease you may be dealing with. We believe in prevention and we screen you for issues such as gum disease, tooth decay and oral cancer at every check up and cleaning visit. Remember, by maintaining optimum oral health, you’re also maintaining your overall health. Contact our office today to schedule your next appointment!