Know Your Gum Disease

How much do you know about gum disease? You may recognize that it’s one of the most common forms of dental disease today, but did you know that gum disease in its advanced stages is a serious threat to your oral and overall health? There are many facets to the development and consequences of gum disease, and understanding the affliction is vital to successfully preventing the destruction it can cause.

What Do You Know About Gum Disease?

1.) What is the main cause of gum disease development?

a.) Poor dental hygiene                                                 c.) Eating disorders

b.) Viral infection                                                             d.) Eating sugar

2.) Severe, untreated gum disease is the number one cause of what common adult dental affliction?

a.) Bad breath                                                                   c.) Permanent tooth loss

b.) Crooked teeth                                                            d.) Oral cancer

3.) The bacteria that cause gum disease can also threaten your physical health if allowed to run rampant.

a.) True

b.) False

Answers

1.) Poor dental hygiene—Dental plaque, which accumulates on your teeth and along your gum line, contains hundreds of different bacterial types. Dental hygiene focuses largely on controlling oral bacteria; when your hygiene routine is lacking, then these germs can gather in force. The microbes responsible for gum disease can irritate and inflame your gums, marking the beginning of gum disease. Unfortunately, many patients ignore the warning signs and allow gum disease to develop enough to damage their gums and other oral tissues.

2.) Permanent tooth loss—After ravishing your gums, which surround and protect your teeth’s roots, unchecked gum disease can infect your jawbone, as well, which supports your teeth by securing their roots. As the foundation of your smile is destroyed by gum disease, your smile can lose its ability to retain all of your natural teeth, leading to tooth loss. If the disease isn’t cleared, it can also affect the success of your replacement teeth, such as dental implants.

3.) True—The oral bacteria, Porphyromonas gingivalis, contribute to gum disease development by inciting excessive inflammation. If your gums or other oral tissues are compromised (i.e., bleeding), then these bacteria can enter your bloodstream and incite inflammation in other areas as it travels through your body. In fact, the gum disease instigator has been linked to risks for numerous systemic health issues, including inflammatory heart disease.

About Your Reno Dentists:

Dr. William Wager, Dr. Brian Evans, and our highly experienced team at Wager Evans Dental are devoted to our patients and their families, and dedicated to providing first-rate dental care in a comfortable, inviting environment. Located in Reno, we proudly welcome residents from Spanish Springs, Sparks, Incline Village, Dayton, Fernley, and all surrounding communities. To schedule a consultation or your next dental appointment, visit our office, or contact us today by calling (775) 800-4845.