What You Need to Know About Gum Disease

Almost half of all adults in the United States have some level of gum disease, which is also called periodontal disease or periodontitis. So, what is gum disease? It is inflammation or infection in the gums or bone that support your teeth. While it sounds like it's just a tooth problem the bacteria that cause gum disease can get into your blood stream and put your overall health at risk. Periodontal disease has been linked to conditions like diabetes, heart disease, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, cancer and more. It is definitely something to take seriously.

While gum inflammation and infections are usually caused by poor oral hygiene, some people are more prone to them than others even with proper care. It begins when bacteria make their home in the biofilm (plaque) around your teeth. One of the most dangerous organisms is porphyromonas gingivalis which is pictured at the top of this post. When you brush, floss or get a professional teeth cleaning you are disrupting the bacteria colony and preventing them causing harm.

Signs that you may have gum disease include:

• Bleeding, red or tender gums
• Bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth
• Receding gums
• Loose teeth
• Higher blood sugar levels
• Or, i has been more than 6 months since your last professional dental cleaning

The role of your dental hygienist is to remove biofilm and the dangerous bacteria it contains. In our office we utilize an advanced protocal called Guided Biofilm Therapy to ensure this happens. Your role is to brush and floss (or use an oral irrigator) to keep your mouth clean between visits. If you have challenges with your home care, our hygienist can provide tips or tools to help.

We also recommend that you stop smoking and work with your medical provider to keep conditions like diabetes, heart disease and autoimmune diseases in check in order to maintain your oral health.

Without treatment gum disease can be a major source of infection causing bacteria. It can cause serious damage in your mouth, resulting in more pain, expense and lost teeth. Once it gets into your blood stream it can make you sick and take away your health.

You have the power to take control of both your oral and overall health by brushing, flossing and seeing your dentist and hygienist at recommended intervals. If you already have gum disease we can help and have a periodontal specialist in our office so you can have all of your treatment in one place.

We do our best to make your dental experiences comfortable, effective, convenient and the best they can be. If you have any questions about gum disease or would like to schedule a visit, please give us a call.

We promise to take great care of you!

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KN Dentistry - Orange, CA - (714_ 633-2562

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