Periodontal Disease
October 11, 2017
Why Gum Disease Is So Prevalent
You’ve heard the advice a thousand times from your dentist. Brush and floss daily. Even if you do your due diligence, your gums may still become infected. At Comfort Dental we are here to help prevent gum disease in Framingham, MA.
What Is Gum Disease?
When you have unhealthy gums surrounding your teeth, you have a form of gum disease. Common symptoms include:
- Red or swollen gums
- Receding gum line
- Bleeding around your teeth at the gums
- Chronic bad breath
- Pain or swelling that won’t go away
- Loose feeling in the teeth
Gingivitis, a mild form of this infection, is easy to treat. When it progresses it becomes periodontal disease which is a much bigger problem. At this stage the damage to the soft tissues of your mouth requires professional help and you may need surgery.
How It’s Caused
The disease forms when contaminants introduce toxins along the gum lines. Brushing and flossing remove light surface plaque but stubborn deposits often remain. Debris sits on the top of the gums and even seeps down between your teeth and your gums.
Bacterial infections result and weaken the soft tissue. Deep pockets form and trap even more plaque and debris. It’s impossible to remove this material with brushing and flossing alone once it has hardened on the tooth surface. You need professional cleaning.
It’s Common and Easy to Get
Because of daily eating and drinking, even with a healthy diet, some plaque still forms on your teeth. When your brushing and flossing routine is subpar you’re vulnerable. Many experience some form of gum disease, but smokers, diabetics, and those with poor oral hygiene habits are at the greatest risk.
Skipping regular checkups and cleanings at your dentist’s office is another mistake. The signs of gum disease often subtle and you may not recognize that you have any issues until damage is done. We check your gums for signs of infection and clear away the excess material you can’t reach on your own.
If you are worried that you may have some form of gum disease, contact our office and schedule an appointment with Dr Moghaddam for an evaluation.