You may have heard quite a few things about gum disease, most of which is likely bad. Unfortunately, some of the worst things you might have heard may be true. Gum disease is the leading cause of adult tooth loss, can cause offensively-strong bad breath, and affects the majority of adults in the US. The good news, however, is that gum disease is preventable if you take good care of your teeth and gums at home, and visit your dentist regularly and consistently.
What is Gum Disease?
If you allow it to, dental plaque will continue to develop on your teeth until it overwhelms them. With your toothbrush and floss, you can control the daily development of plaque, which contains hundreds of different kinds of oral bacteria. When left alone, some of these bacteria can infect your gum tissues and cause them to separate from your teeth, creating small periodontal pockets that expose your teeth roots under the gums. As more bacteria gather in these pockets, gingivitis (the infection) can progress into gum disease (a chronic inflammatory disease of the gums).
What’s the Worst That Could Happen?
The crowns, or top parts, of your teeth are protected by a thin, but extremely resilient, sheen of enamel, which acts as a barrier to repel infectious bacteria. The roots of your teeth are not covered by enamel, and rely instead on your gum tissues for protection. When gum disease strikes, the roots of your teeth become exposed and vulnerable. The disease can also destroy the jawbone around your teeth roots, which supports your teeth, leading to tooth loss or the need for tooth extraction.
ABOUT YOUR SHREWSBURY DENTISTS:
At Modern Dentistry, Todd A. Pizzi, DDS, and Luciana Messina, DDS, are dedicated to providing high-quality cosmetic, restorative, and preventive dentistry services to patients and families in Shrewsbury, Worcester, North and South Grafton, Westborough, Southborough, Northborough, Boylston, Hopkinton, Millbury, and all surrounding communities. To schedule your next appointment, contact our office by calling (508) 842-6356 today.
