Gum disease is an inflammation of the gums and the tissues surrounding it, primarily caused by poor oral hygiene. According to a study conducted by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, over 80 percent of adults have some form of gum disease, and over 90 percent of those who have it do not know they do.
Gum disease is not limited to your oral health. Research has shown that it has also been linked to heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s and cancer. You can avoid putting your health at risk by practicing good oral hygiene and living a healthier lifestyle.
If you have persistent bad breath that doesn’t seem to go away even though you brush your teeth regularly, you probably have gum disease. A gum disease, like gingivitis, is a bacterial infection that puts off an unpleasant odor, similar to what you expect when you have an open sore that festers. Instead of brushing more frequently and chewing excessive amounts of gum, schedule an appointment with your dentist to get the problem taken care of.
According to research conducted by the American Academy of Periodontology, your genetics can influence your vulnerability to gum disease. Even if you spent your entire life brushing your teeth regularly you can still be at risk of getting gum disease if it runs in your family.
You should also know that it is contagious — gum disease can be passed on to other people who do not have it if you kiss or share food and drinks.
One of the reasons 90 percent of the people with gum disease do not go to see the dentist for treatment is because they do not know they have gum disease. The early symptoms are very difficult to notice unless you go to the dentist for regular checkups. By the time the disease reaches advanced levels, you start to notice the symptoms, which include swollen and bleeding gums.
Since dental implants are artificial teeth, they technically cannot be infected by the disease. However, the surrounding tissues around the implants are real and they can be infected, leading to the failure of the implants.
When people hear about gum disease, a lot of them believe it is something they will have to worry about when they are in their golden years, which is far from the truth. Gum disease can affect anyone from children to senior citizens, which means nobody is safe from the disease.
When gum disease is left untreated for a long time, it leads to the loss of teeth. According to research, the loss of your natural teeth shortens your lifespan, and the more teeth you lose the shorter your life expectancy. If you want to live into your golden years, try to protect your natural teeth as long as possible.
Gum disease can harm your health in many ways, which is why it should not be taken lightly. If you have gum disease or just want to make sure you do not, schedule an appointment with your dentist to find out more about the disease and how to treat it.
Request an appointment here: https://gurzfamilydental.com or call Gurz Family Dental at (909) 740-8288 for an appointment in our Fontana office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
A chipped tooth can occur in several different ways. This damage can also come in many levels of severity. Some chips are visible, while others may be hidden in the back of the mouth. Regardless of what the damage to your tooth looks like, it is vital to visit your dentist for an examination. Your…
A smile makeover often leads to increased self-esteem and confidence. Having a radiant, healthy smile also gives you increased success during professional and personal interactions. People with great smiles are often perceived as attractive and successful, while those with unsightly smiles are sometimes viewed as unclean and unsuccessful. A smile makeover is a combination of…
Choosing dental implants is a great idea if you are looking into your tooth-replacement options because you are missing one or more of your teeth. This option is one that offers benefits that other replacement options do not, which is why so many patients are choosing implants to replace their missing teeth. Other replacement options…
Dental emergencies can happen anywhere and at any time, so it is beneficial to have an emergency dentist. You should find a dentist before the need arises. Experiencing any dental emergency is bad enough without having to prolong the suffering and pain while looking for a dentist. No one wants to be in a position…
A chipped tooth can occur in several different ways. This damage can also come in many levels of severity. Some chips are visible, while others may be hidden in the back of the mouth. Regardless of what the damage to your tooth looks like, it is vital to visit your dentist for an examination. Your…
A smile makeover often leads to increased self-esteem and confidence. Having a radiant, healthy smile also gives you increased success during professional and personal interactions. People with great smiles are often perceived as attractive and successful, while those with unsightly smiles are sometimes viewed as unclean and unsuccessful. A smile makeover is a combination of…