The Long-Term Impact of Gum Disease

Gum disease consists of a number of different stages with varying impact on your oral health. You may have heard of “gingivitis,” which is the most basic form of gum disease. Identifying gingivitis when it forms allows you to combat the condition and prevent further damage from occurring. Why is this important? Because gum disease can actually have a serious long-term impact on your oral health and even your overall health. That’s why you should know the signs of gingivitis, floss daily, and visit your dentist every six months.

Knowing the Signs of Gum Disease Helps You Spot the Condition

Gum disease is caused by bacterial buildup around and beneath your gum line. Bacteria can aggregate in these areas over time, much like it would on the surfaces of your teeth. Instead of a cavity however, gingivitis leaves you with swelling, redness, and discomfort. This is inflammation. Chronic inflammation of the gums is the easiest sign of gum disease to spot. If you experience this condition, contact your dentist as soon as possible to receive treatment. Deep cleaning can remove the bacteria and reverse the effects of gum disease.

Cleaning Your Teeth Prevents Gum Disease

The best way to prevent gum disease is to keep your teeth clean. Brushing twice per day and flossing daily remove bacterial buildup before gingivitis can form. While brushing your teeth, you should focus on the gum line and direct your strokes away from the gums. Flossing gets between teeth and into areas where bacteria can build up despite consistent brushing. Scaling and root planing is a form of deep cleaning that your dentist can perform to remove bacteria from beneath the gum line if gingivitis has developed.

Visit Your Dentist Every Six Months for Treatment

By attending biannual dental appointments, you drastically reduce your risk for gingivitis. If a problem is developing, your dentist can spot it and treat it. Untreated gingivitis worsens over time. Eventually, the bacterial infection attacks not only the connection between your tooth and jaw bone, but your jaw bone itself. Periodontitis is an advanced form of gum disease that causes the erosion of your jaw bone, and will eventually lead to tooth loss. Sticking to your regular dental appointments mitigates your risk for a condition like this.

Schedule Your Next Appointment at MMC Dental

MMC Dental comprises a team of specialists. That means that our staff is ready to address any oral health issue that you may experience. We provide comfortable care during your biannual checkups. If you develop gingivitis, we can treat the condition with a deep cleaning. If the effects of gum disease have caused tooth loss, we have prosthodontic specialists to help replace missing teeth. Avoid gum disease by scheduling your next appointment at MMC Dental in Houston, TX by calling 713-926-8896.