How Does Gingivitis Develop?
Gum disease develops when bacteria form a sticky film on your teeth, causing the film to stick to your teeth, and professional dental cleaning is the only way to remove plaque-hardened calculus, referred to as “tartar.”
The bacteria that cause periodontal disease get into the gums every time you eat or drink and will irritate your gums, resulting in swelling and redness. The infection can spread over time and destroy teeth-supporting tissues and bones.
Everyone has millions of bacteria in their mouth, but in most cases, these bacteria are natural and safe. Gingivitis occurs when harmful bacteria produce toxins and irritate the gums, resulting in a sticky film. Plaque forms on the teeth and gums, and bacteria can infect the gums when plaque builds up. Gingivitis can be restricted to just a few teeth or become widespread. Knowing the signs and seeing your dentist regularly for checkups is essential since it doesn’t always present with distinct symptoms.
Symptoms of Gum Disease
The symptoms of gum disease will get progressively worse as the disease goes untreated, allowing it to advance to more dangerous stages. You may see these signs and symptoms:
- Swollen gums
- Bleeding gums
- Bad breath
- Metallic taste in the mouth
- Receding gums
- Increasingly larger gaps between teeth
- Painful brushing
- Painful flossing
- Blood on the toothbrush and in the sink when you brush your teeth
- Swollen gums
- Bleeding gums
- Bad breath
- Metallic taste in the mouth
- Receding gums
- Increasingly larger gaps between teeth
- Painful brushing
- Painful flossing
- Blood on the toothbrush and in the sink when you brush your teeth
Fortunately, there are treatments available to help control the infection of gums and prevent further damage.
Gum Disease and the Whole Body
Perry Family Dentistry is a holistic dentistry practice, so we are always mindful of how problems with oral hygiene affect the rest of your body. Gum disease does not only harm your mouth, teeth, and gums. Bacteria can spread throughout your body and adversely affect many major systems, like the cardiovascular and digestive systems.
Recent studies show that the bacteria can travel through the veins in your gums to your heart, causing cardiovascular disease. Due to untreated gum disease, you could be at a higher risk for heart attack, stroke, Type II Diabetes, or high blood pressure (hypertension).
Research also indicates there is a connection between gum disease and pancreatic cancer, osteoporosis, and low birth weight in babies. Because of the grave conditions associated with untreated gum disease, we take treatment very seriously, and and we will do everything in our power to ensure you never develop this serious condition.
Laser Technology to Treat Gum Disease
Using advanced technology, including laser dentistry, our dentist can stop gum disease in its tracks in most patients and prevent it from wreaking havoc on your mouth, teeth, gums, and general health. We proudly offer patients treatment with the revolutionary EMS Air-Flow® system, a polisher that uses glycine powder instead of silica to clean and polish below the gum line.
We also use ultrasonic instruments that are more comfortable than traditional methods of teeth cleaning. By offering more advanced services with state-of-the-art laser technology, we can eradicate gum disease with less pain and more efficiency than dental practices without this innovative technology.
Learn More About Treatment Options
If you need gum disease treatment please contact our Mount Vernon, WA dentist, Dr. Blake J. Perry, at (360) 424-3133, or you may fill out our online contact form. One of our dental team members will contact you to assist with scheduling and/or answer any questions you may have about gum disease treatment and preventative dentistry.
