Every year, millions of Americans are diagnosed with gum disease, the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. It is serious, but treatable at Boulder County Smiles in Lafayette CO.
What do your gums do?
The soft tissue in your mouth, like skin, has a vital job. It protects the roots of your teeth. It also provides a barrier for the connective tissues and ligaments that hold your teeth in their sockets. Plus the alveolar bone in which your teeth are anchored.
What is gum disease?
Gum disease starts with inflammation. Gums become swollen and tender. In its early stages, gum disease is called gingivitis. As the disease progresses, the gums pull away from the teeth, creating pockets. This is called periodontitis or periodontal disease.
What causes periodontal disease?
Bacteria are always present in the oral cavity. When it is left on the teeth and gums, it turns into plaque. Plaque is a thick coating of bacteria on your gums and teeth. Plaque accumulates if it is not removed by rinsing, brushing, and flossing. If plaque accumulates in the gumline pockets, the gums can start receding. When plaque hardens, it is called tartar or calculus. You can’t brush away tartar with your toothbrush. You need to have a professional dental cleaning.
What are signs of gum disease?
- Sore gums
- Bad breath
- Receding gums
- A change in the color of gums
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Pain and tenderness
- Pus between teeth and gums
- Teeth that appear longer
- Growing spaces between teeth
- Changes in your bite
How does periodontal disease threaten your health?
Gum disease increases your risk of:
- Stroke
- Heart disease
- Heart attacks
- Diabetes
- Cancer
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Osteoporosis
- Asthma
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Low infant birth weight
Can gum disease be prevented?
Yes. Your first (and best) line of defnese is flossing and brushing your teeth twice a day. Seeing us for a cleaning and checkup every six months is essential, too. At Boulder County Smiles in Lafayette CO we can treat gum disease. We also treat sleep apnea, and offer specialties like dental implants. Schedule an appointment with us today.
Contact Boulder County Smiles:
303-665-5335
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
1140 W South Boulder Rd Ste 201
Lafayette, Colorado
80026
