A Google web search of the term “gum disease” yields over 10 million results that describe the condition’s causes, symptoms, consequences, and the effects that it can have on your wellbeing. If you don’t notice any of the apparent symptoms in your own gums, you might not consider gum disease a serious or immediate threat. The truth, however, is that everyone can be susceptible to gum disease, and it might develop without your realization if you don’t take proper care of your oral health.
It’s the Little Things
You’ve likely encountered dental plaque once in a while as you ran your tongue across your teeth. The uncomfortable coating is your smile’s arch-nemesis, and contains over 600 different kinds of bacteria that form plaque as protection. Even if your teeth don’t noticeably exhibit plaque, they can still harbor accumulating bacteria. Left unattended, these germs can overwhelm your teeth and gums, inciting inflammation and forming pockets and gum tissue separates from your teeth. As it settles into your gums, the bacterial infection doesn’t usually hurt, and its lack of discomfort can fool patients into believing that their oral health is safe.
Beware the Bigger Things
You might be more susceptible to gum disease than you initially believed. What does that mean for your oral health? If allowed to progress, it can erode the gums and jawbone that support your teeth, making gum disease the leading cause of adult tooth loss in the United States. With their penchant for inciting inflammation, the bacteria responsible for gum disease are also considered risk factors for other inflammatory diseases, including atherosclerosis (a disease of the arteries that leads to heart attack and failure).
Arm Yourself Against Gum Disease
Although it tries to sneak up on you, early gum disease, or gingivitis, gives off a wealth of warning signs, some of which you might notice yourself and others that require professional attention. Redness and swelling are notorious giveaways, along with bleeding, especially when you brush and floss your teeth. During your routine dental checkup and cleaning, Dr. Pasha Hakimzadeh can expertly inspect your gums for minor inflammation and measure the depth of any periodontal pockets. If depending on the severity of your condition, gingivitis might be reversed
About Downey Family & Cosmetic Dentistry:
Dr. Hadis Reyhani, Dr. Ben Reyhani, and Dr. Pasha Hakimzadeh provide a wealth of combined experience, along with innovative technology and personalized care, to help improve our patients’ dental health and function and help them enjoy smiling again. To schedule a consultation, call Downey Family Cosmetic Dentistry today at (562) 472-2433.
