O’Fallon Dentist Reviews What Causes Gum Disease, and What Symptoms You Should Look Out for in Your Teeth and Gums
Maintaining good dental health requires a commitment to keeping the whole mouth in good order—the teeth, tongue, and the gums. Gum disease, not dental cavities, is actually leading the cause of tooth loss among adults. No one wants to lose a tooth, so read on to learn some tips from our O’Fallon dentists about keeping your gums healthy and noticing signs of gum disease.
So How Does Gum Disease Start?
Gum disease starts with a bacterial infection of the dental tissue. Harmful oral bacteria can take root in dental tissue and spread throughout the mouth, to connective tissues under the gums, and ultimately to the jawbone. Consequently, effective, timely care is hugely important when battling gum disaease.
Brushing and flossing at least twice daily will help prevent gum disease, as these daily oral hygiene treatments clean plaque and bacteria from the gum and tooth surfaces in the mouth. It may also be useful for you to use an antibacterial mouthwash when you brush and floss to further minimize bacteria.
Even with these regular oral hygiene measures, however, gum disease can take root in your mouth. If you notice that your gums are starting to look red and swollen, or if you notice any bleeding of the gums when you brush or floss, you may be experiencing the first stage of gum disease, called gingivitis. If left untreated this infection can escalate, causing tooth loss and bone loss. Another common, under recognized symptom of gum disease is bad smelling/tasting breath.
You can effectively treat gum disease with proactive at-home dental hygiene paired with thorough professional dental cleanings. Give our O’Fallon dental office a call to schedule a dental cleaning or to discuss treatments for gum disease with our dental team. And remember, if you notice any common signs of gum disease seek treatment right away.