Gum disease is a struggle faced by dental patients of all ages. Maintaining a solid and consistent oral hygiene routine is essential to keeping it under control. In many cases, tooth decay goes in hand in hand with gum disease. Orthodontic concerns such as misaligned teeth can also increase the risk of developing gingivitis or periodontitis. If you’re experiencing gums that bleed when you brush, it’s likely you’re facing a case of gingivitis.
Conquering Gum Disease With Altoona Smiles
The foundation of every case of gum disease is bacteria infection of the gums. These bacteria line the teeth and gingival tissue. Common symptoms are red, swollen gums that are tender and bleed when brushed. Without properly cleaning bacteria, plaque, and food debris from your mouth will allow plaque to accumulate, causing the gums to become inflamed. At this point, it’s necessary to get help in the form of a deep cleaning from your dentist.
Gum disease is a troubling condition for anyone, especially when the adult teeth are still developing. The presence of gum disease in parents usually indicates issues with their oral hygiene practices. Some conditions can make it more likely that someone will develop gum disease, including:
- Smoking: Tobacco use creates significantly higher risks of gum disease and other oral health problems. Even exposure to secondhand smoke can make the risks of gum disease higher.
- Hormones: Hormonal fluctuations can present additional risks of gum disease. Menstruation and pregnancy are two common causes of hormonal gingivitis.
- Genetics: Genetics has been demonstrated to be the source of increased risk of gingivitis. If you have a genetic history of oral health concerns, you may have a higher risk of gum disease.
- Medical Conditions: Diabetes, heart disease, and other medical conditions can increase your risk of developing gum disease.
- Medications: Several medications have been identified as creating gum diseases like symptoms and increasing the risk of gingival disease.
Gum disease is a severe dental condition that can lead to severe oral health complications if left untreated. The infection can create pockets in the gums known as abscesses and can cause bone loss in the jaw. If the infection continues to be untreated, the condition can even become life-threatening.
How Altoona Smiles Treats Gum Disease
Gum disease is an oral health concern faced by patients at every age. If you’re experiencing symptoms like those associated with gum disease, give our office a call for an appointment. You’ll receive a comprehensive exam combined with a discussion about your medical history. In some cases, it may be necessary to undergo dental imaging to get a full examination of your oral health. Reach out to Altoona Smiles for an appointment today!
