Gum disease is an oral health condition that causes inflammation in the gum tissues. It’s estimated by the American Dental Association that gum disease affects an estimated 47 percent of adults over the age of 30. The primary cause of this disease is hardened tartar at the gumline; however, habits like tobacco use and certain medical conditions, like diabetes, can serve as increased risk factors.
The earliest form of gum disease is gingivitis. Telltale symptoms include red or inflamed gums that bleed easily during brushing and flossing and problems with chronic bad breath. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should schedule an appointment with your dentist, Dr. John McMurray, to get a better understanding of your treatment options.
It’s important to treat gingivitis before it can develop into the most dangerous form of gum disease, which is known as periodontitis.
This severe infection in the gum tissues can cause your gums to recede from the base of your teeth. This enables pockets of infection to form deep within the gum tissues. In time, it can even cause a loss of structure in the bones that anchor your teeth.
The systemic inflammation associated with periodontal disease can also impact your immune system. Continuing research has found that this disease can be related to other medical conditions including diabetes, heart disease and certain types of cancer. You should note that while periodontal disease cannot cause these conditions, they do seem to have some level of relationship that can limit your treatment options.
If you are experiencing any symptoms of gum disease in Meridian, Idaho, you should not delay in contacting Legacy Smiles Family Dental at 208-888-3311 to seek treatment.