Treatment for Gum Disease
Gingivitis, periodontitis, gum diseaseā¦all three of these terms refer to different levels of infection in the gums that can cause serious health repercussions. Keeping a healthy smile means more than just cleaning your teeth; it also entails ensuring your gums stay healthy. Gum disease is caused by a buildup of bacteria in and around your teeth. When these bacteria are not effectively removed through brushing and flossing, they can lead to plaque and tartar that can irritate the gums and eventually cause gum disease. As part of our general dentistry treatments at Sugar Creek Family Dental, we can help you and your family avoid and treat gum disease for a healthy smile and body.
Symptoms and Causes of Gum Disease
When food particles are left in crevices around the teeth, they invite bacteria in to feed on the protein in the particles. The bacteria build into the sticky substance we call plaque that can harden into tartar. Once tartar begins to build up, the gums can become inflamed and begin to pull away from the teeth. They may begin to bleed when you brush, floss or eat. As they pull farther away from the teeth, more space is available to trap food and perpetuate the disease.
Left unchecked, gum disease can begin to affect the health of the gum tissue and bone as your body tries to fight off the infection. Not only can this lead to loose teeth and even tooth loss, there are other dangers as well. The bacteria that cause gum disease have been linked to serious health issues such as strokes, heart attacks, type 2 diabetes and other health problems.
The best way to avoid gum disease is a good home oral health program along with regular professional cleanings and checkups. Our dentist, Dr. Capati, and our hygienist can help treat gum disease and stop the damage to your gums. Contact Sugar Creek Family Dental today to schedule your appointment for a checkup and cleaning to begin treating your gum disease.