What Is Gum Disease?
Periodontal or gum disease occurs when bacteria-filled plaque builds up on your teeth, causing your gum tissue to become infected. Once infected, it can eventually spread to your bones and cause tooth loss, so it's important not to let it go untreated.
What Causes Gum Disease?
Typically, improper home care causes gum disease; if you don’t brush and floss well enough or often enough, plaque forms on your teeth and hardens. Once the plaque hardens, it is known as tartar, and you can't remove tartar from your teeth at home. When you visit Innovation Dental, we can professionally clean your teeth and remove the tartar buildup.
What Are the Signs of Gum Disease?
There are several obvious signs of gum disease; if your gums are swollen or bleeding, or if they are receding or moving away from the teeth, you need to seek dental care. Also, if you have loose teeth or bad breath this could be another sign of gum disease.
You should call your dental professional to schedule an appointment if you have any of these symptoms.
What Can You Do to Prevent Gum Disease?
There are several things you can do to prevent gum disease from happening in the first place, so make sure you:
- Visit your dentist twice a year for professional cleanings.
- Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss your teeth daily.
Are You Looking for Gum Disease Treatment in O’Fallon, IL?
If you need to schedule a visit with our dental team or have any questions about gum disease, please contact us at (618) 277-6550.