Gum disease is a bacterial infection that causes inflammation of the tissue and bones that support your teeth. If left untreated, it can lead to serious repercussions, such as tooth loss and jaw deterioration. The dental experts at Aina Haina Dental Group in Honolulu, HI, are here to explain everything you need to know about this disease and what you can do to prevent it.

What Causes Gum Disease?

When plaque, a sticky and colorless film, forms on your teeth, it can harden and turn into tartar. Without proper brushing and flossing, it can eventually lead to gum disease and tooth decay, causing the gums to recede and become infected. At this point, it must be treated by a dental care professional.

What Are the Symptoms?

The most common symptoms of gum disease are inflammation, swelling, and bleeding when you brush or floss your teeth. When the disease progresses, you can also experience a loosening of your teeth or bad breath that can’t be covered up with mints or gum.

How Is It Treated?

The dentist must first determine the severity of the infection. In some cases, they might be able to perform a deep cleaning and provide you with medicinal toothpaste and mouthwash. If the disease has progressed, however, you might need to return for periodic scaling appointments, which is a deep cleaning to remove plaque and tartar.

If you are dealing with bleeding or swollen gums, it might be time to see a dentist for diagnosis and treatment. For the leading dental practice in Honolulu, turn to the team at Aina Haina Dental Group. They provide a wide range of general and cosmetic dentistry services, from routine teeth cleanings to gum disease treatment. Contact the office today at (808) 373-2184 to schedule an appointment, or visit their website for more information about their full list of services.