What You Should Understand About Gum Disease

One of the most prevalent terms you’ll come across when reading about dentistry is “periodontal disease.” Have you ever really stopped to think about exactly what gum disease is? Knowing the basics of periodontal disease will support you in wrapping your mind around a lot of what dentists do, and it should also help you understand better how to keep your mouth hygienic. Here’s a quick summary on periodontal disease for you:

-Gum disease is an infection of the gums where bacterial acids have overstayed their welcome in the mouth and grown under the gum line, forming pouches of decay between your teeth and gums.

-Though it’s still damaging, the damage from the first stage of gum disease (gingivitis) is normally reversible by treatment from your dentist.

-The second period of periodontal disease, periodontitis, usually causes permanent destruction to the teeth, bones and gums, and when left unchecked, it can develop to progressive periodontitis or chronic periodontitis.

-The early phases of periodontal disease manifest signs in the form of red, bloody, painful and/or swollen gums.

-The people most at risk for developing periodontal disease are those older than 70, men (who account for 60 percent of the ailment) and those with dry mouth.

-You can greatly reduce your risk of contracting gum disease by following good dental hygiene habits. Brush your teeth twice daily, floss once daily and check up with our office for cleanings every six months.

We hope this post has been enlightening for you. To set up your next cleaning with Dr. Michael Kesner, give our Made Ya Smile Dental office in Cypress, Texas, a call!