Cosmetic Dentistry Blog

Gingivitis, or inflammation of the gums, is a form of periodontal disease. Three out of four Americans have periodontal disease which is the biggest reason why adults lose their permanent teeth.

Periodontal disease is inflammation and infection that destroys the gums, the periodontal ligaments, and the tooth sockets that support the teeth. It is caused by the effects of long term plaque build-up. When plaque is not removed, it is turned into tartar. Plaque and tartar irritate and inflame the gums.

The longer periodontal disease goes undetected, the greater the risk of tooth loss. Often there are symptoms of bleeding gums, or gum tenderness, but sometimes there are no symptoms at all. Being diagnosed with Periodontal Disease can lead to a loss of bone or attachment surrounding your teeth which could ultimately lead to tooth loss.

Periodontal Disease does not just affect your teeth. There are correlations between periodontal disease and heart disease, diabetes, and even pre-term labor.
 
While there is no cure, Dream Smile Dental can help you maintain your current condition with individualized therapies to prevent it from getting worse. Contact us for more information on Periodontal Disease.