Gum disease is an extremely common problem in America. It is one of the most common causes of tooth loss for adults, and can greatly affect how a child’s teeth develop. Like most oral health, gum disease is something that you want to prevent instead of treat. The longer you have gum disease, the more damage it can do to your mouth and teeth and the more extensive the treatment will need to be. In cases of tooth loss, treatments will include replacing teeth with dental implants. Here are a few answers to the most commonly asked questions related to gum disease.
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease is an extremely common dental problem. Gum disease forms near the gumline of a patient’s mouth due to excess buildup of plaque on teeth. Plaque can be removed by frequently and properly brushing, flossing, and using mouth wash. Even with great oral habits, it is still important to receive a professional dental cleaning every six months from your dentist.
Gingivitis or gum disease is commonly caused by any of the following:
The three best ways to prevent gum disease are: brushing your teeth, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist twice a year. Most regular people will not notice if they are developing gum disease. That is why it is important to visit your dentist. There is a common misconception that if you brush and floss regularly there is zero chance of developing dental issues. Because some causes of gum disease are not directly linked to oral health, it is important to see a dentist twice per year.
There are a few signs of gum disease every adult and teen should be aware of. If your gums are receding (stretching away from the teeth), if they bleed often after brushing, or if they are red and swollen, these are all signs of gum disease.
If you live in the Chicago area, we highly recommend scheduling an appointment with one of our offices. Our team would be happy to answer more questions about gum disease as well as help you with your oral health. All Star Dental is a family dentist that provides services for adults and kids. We know it is important for kids to get high-quality dental services so that they can protect their teeth from a young age.
