Understanding Gum Disease
Gum disease is commonly caused due to the presence of dental plaque that eventually affects the gums. Early diagnosis and treatment of gum disease can eliminate the infection completely and preserve the teeth.
Gum disease occurs when the harmful bacteria in the mouth begin to affect the gum tissue. The preliminary stage of gum infection is known as gingivitis, which can be cured easily if it is detected early. Advanced condition of gum disease, where the bacterial infection goes to the underlying bone, is called periodontal disease. Neglect of treatment for gum disease may eventually result in tooth loss due to destruction of the surrounding tissue and bone that hold the tooth. Patients in Scottsdale may consult with an expert dentist in the area specializing in gum disease.
In the earliest phase of gingivitis, the bacterial growth in the plaque build-up leads to gum inflammation. Gums begin to appear reddish and slightly swollen, and may bleed easily while brushing teeth. The patient may experience some gum irritation as well. However, at this stage no irreversible tissue or bone damage has taken place, and the teeth are still planted firmly in their sockets. If proper dental treatment is sought at this stage, the disease can be eliminated completely without any complications.
If gingivitis remains untreated, it may progress to periodontitis. In this case, the inner layers of the gum and bone will start pulling away from the teeth, and a visible gap will begin to occur. These pockets collect food debris and become infected very soon. The immune system of the patient finds it difficult to fight the growth of bacteria as the plaque spreads underneath the gum line.
Toxins released by these bacteria begin to break down the connective tissue and bone that hold the teeth in place. As the disease advances, the bone and gum tissue get increasingly destroyed and the pockets deepen. The result is that the teeth begin to get loose, and eventually tooth loss takes place.
Dental plaque is the chief cause of gum disease. However, other factors such as hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy, menopause and menstrual cycles may also make the gums more sensitive to bacterial infection. Serious illnesses that debilitate the immune system of the body may contribute to this.
Diabetics are usually at a higher risk because of their high sugar levels. Intake of certain medications can also reduce the flow of saliva in the mouth, which increases the chances of this disease. Family history of dental diseases can also be a contributory factor. An experienced dentist in Scottsdale may be able to provide effective solutions for gum disease.
Gum disease occurs when the harmful bacteria in the mouth begin to affect the gum tissue. The preliminary stage of gum infection is known as gingivitis, which can be cured easily if it is detected early. Advanced condition of gum disease, where the bacterial infection goes to the underlying bone, is called periodontal disease. Neglect of treatment for gum disease may eventually result in tooth loss due to destruction of the surrounding tissue and bone that hold the tooth. Patients in Scottsdale may consult with an expert dentist in the area specializing in gum disease.
In the earliest phase of gingivitis, the bacterial growth in the plaque build-up leads to gum inflammation. Gums begin to appear reddish and slightly swollen, and may bleed easily while brushing teeth. The patient may experience some gum irritation as well. However, at this stage no irreversible tissue or bone damage has taken place, and the teeth are still planted firmly in their sockets. If proper dental treatment is sought at this stage, the disease can be eliminated completely without any complications.
If gingivitis remains untreated, it may progress to periodontitis. In this case, the inner layers of the gum and bone will start pulling away from the teeth, and a visible gap will begin to occur. These pockets collect food debris and become infected very soon. The immune system of the patient finds it difficult to fight the growth of bacteria as the plaque spreads underneath the gum line.
Toxins released by these bacteria begin to break down the connective tissue and bone that hold the teeth in place. As the disease advances, the bone and gum tissue get increasingly destroyed and the pockets deepen. The result is that the teeth begin to get loose, and eventually tooth loss takes place.
Dental plaque is the chief cause of gum disease. However, other factors such as hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy, menopause and menstrual cycles may also make the gums more sensitive to bacterial infection. Serious illnesses that debilitate the immune system of the body may contribute to this.
Diabetics are usually at a higher risk because of their high sugar levels. Intake of certain medications can also reduce the flow of saliva in the mouth, which increases the chances of this disease. Family history of dental diseases can also be a contributory factor. An experienced dentist in Scottsdale may be able to provide effective solutions for gum disease.
