Gum disease occurs in different stages.
The first stage is gingivitis, where the gums become red and swollen due to infection under the gum line. If not treated immediately, the disease can worsen and the consequences are quite severe. The next stage of untreated gum disease is periodontitis. In this stage, the gum can pull away from the tooth, which can lead to bone loss as well as teeth eventually falling out.
There is also a connection between gum disease and other inflammatory diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis.
There are certain ways you can minimize your risk of gum disease. Gum disease is spread through the sharing of bacteria through saliva. It is advised not to share objects such as toothbrushes and silverware, in which bacteria can spread.
Other factors play into one’s chances of contracting gum disease. Certain factors such as the patient’s health, diet, age, whether the patient smokes, medications, as well as hereditary or genetic susceptibility of gum disease dictate the severity of the disease.
Practicing proper oral hygiene is important when it comes to preserving your smile, as well as keeping the rest of you healthy. Schedule an appointment with Periodontal Associates of Memphis to ensure that you are taking the proper steps to avoid or treat gum disease. They offer a variety of services such as scaling and root planning, laser periodontal treatment (LANAP), gingivectomy, and many others to ensure you’re getting the right care for your gums.
To learn more about other services Periodontal Associates of Memphis provides, please contact us for more information.