Gum disease is a progressive condition that is caused by bacteria in the mouth getting into gum tissues. Your immune system responds to this invasion by sending off antibodies to fight off the invaders. The ensuing battle leads to inflammation and damage to the structures that support teeth.
The first stage of gum disease is called gingivitis, and it can be reversed with teeth cleanings and improved oral hygiene. The second stage is called periodontitis and it cannot be reversed. Dentists can help to manage issues caused by periodontal disease by performing appropriate treatments. The problems caused by periodontal disease are not restricted to the mouth. The bacteria that cause the condition have been linked to other issues like:
Poor oral hygiene and gum disease increase a person’s risk of developing heart disease. The bacteria that infect gum tissues and lead to inflammation can make their way into the bloodstream, leading to the buildup of plaque inside arteries. This increases the person’s risk of suffering a heart attack.
Some of the chemicals that are released by gum tissues that have been invaded by bacteria can lead to the loss of brain cells and memory. Gum disease can lead to dementia when the type of bacteria that leads to gingivitis gets into the bloodstream or nerve channels.
Men who have periodontal diseases have a higher risk of developing a condition called prostatitis. The condition can lead to difficulty ejaculating, a weak bladder and pain when urinating.
Bacteria in the mouth can be inhaled into the lungs, leading to respiratory issues like bronchitis, pneumonia and other respiratory infections. Getting gum disease under control can help to reduce this risk.
The bacteria that cause gum disease can lead to blood vessels becoming inflamed. This can hinder the flow of blood to the genitals, making it harder to get an erection.
Good oral hygiene goes a long way when it comes to preventing gum disease. The condition occurs when oral bacteria in plaque or tartar make their way into gum tissues, infecting them. Plaque is a sticky film that forms on teeth surfaces after meals. It is made up of acids and bacteria, and it can be removed by brushing. However, when plaque is left on teeth surfaces for extended periods, it hardens into tartar which cannot be removed by brushing. Teeth cleaning is needed to get rid of plaque.
Dentists recommend brushing at least two times a day to prevent the build-up of plaque on teeth surfaces. Teeth should be flossed once daily, and an antibacterial mouthwash can help to kill off some of the bacteria that lead to gum disease.
Biannual trips to a dentist also go a long way when it comes to protecting against periodontal disease. Call or visit our Feeding Hills clinic to set up an appointment with a dentist.
Request an appointment here: https://www.agawamdentalarts.com or call Agawam Dental Arts at (413) 362-7815 for an appointment in our Feeding Hills office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Gum Disease in Feeding Hills, MA.
You may have recently had a dental checkup and been told that you have gum disease. While no one likes to find out they have a gum infection, there are various treatment options available, depending on the severity of your condition. Laser periodontal treatment, for example, is a minimally invasive alternative to conventional treatments.Periodontal disease,…
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, almost half of the United States population has some form of gum disease by the time they reach the age of 30. The risk increases by age 65, with over 70% of Americans experiencing this issue later in life. While gum disease is very treatable, it…
Avoiding gum disease at all costs is essential, as once someone is diagnosed with this dental-related disease, it means that they are in need of additional dental treatment to restore their good oral health. Even though gingivitis is the mildest form of gum disease, it can still cause harm to one’s overall good oral health.Thinking…
There are different stages of gum disease, with each stage being based on the severity of the infection. Because there are different stages of gum disease, it can be difficult to differentiate between each one. When trying to determine what stage the infection is at, it is best to begin with a visit with a…
You may have recently had a dental checkup and been told that you have gum disease. While no one likes to find out they have a gum infection, there are various treatment options available, depending on the severity of your condition. Laser periodontal treatment, for example, is a minimally invasive alternative to conventional treatments.Periodontal disease,…
One of the perks of choosing Invisalign® trays for tooth alignment is that there is no need for major dietary changes during treatment. Patients can still enjoy some of their favorite foods and treats without worrying about damaging brackets and wires. There is also no risk of food particles becoming lodged under or between appliances…