Gum Disease. What to look for and how you can prevent it.

Periodontal Disease, or Gum Disease, affects 80% of people at some point in their life and is the cause of about 70% of adult tooth loss! People often disregard this disease because it can be painless until it reaches the advanced stages; however, this bacterial infection that causes chronic inflammation of the gums and surrounding tissue is not one to be taken lightly.

A primary cause of Gum Disease is Plaque. Plaque is a sticky, colorless, bacteria filled film that forms on the teeth that hardens into a substance called tartar or calculus if it is not removed by brushing or flossing. Once it has turned into tartar it can be very difficult to remove and the bacteria excels in producing toxins that lead to inflammation.  Other factors contributing to Gum Disease are lifestyle choices and genetics. A low nutrient diet, smoking, and stress increase your susceptibility. Other diseases that interfere with the body's immune system, such as diabetes, cancer, and AIDS can also worsen your condition. 

Some warning signs to look for are:

• Red, swollen, or tender gums
• Bleeding gums while brushing or flossing
• Gums that seem to be pulling away from your teeth
• Teeth that are loose or are separating from each other
• Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth
• A change in the fit of partial dentures

Glacier Dental strongly feels prevention and awareness is key to keeping a healthy mouth. Be sure to floss daily, brush twice a day, and commit to visiting the dentist every 6 months for your continuous care visit to ensure things stay on the right track. If you are experiencing any of the warning signs it is important to treat them as soon as possible to ensure it doesn't progress into a more advanced stage.