Gum disease, or periodontitis, is an oral disease found in more than half of all adults and is the most common cause of tooth loss in adults. The good news is that it develops through several stages and your dentist can catch and treat it early to prevent its late-stage effects. Here's what you need to know about the causes, signs, and treatments related to this condition. 

Causes

The primary cause of gum disease is plaque buildup. As plaque builds, the bacteria within it release toxins that inflame the tissue surrounding the teeth. When this gum tissue is inflamed, it begins to separate from the teeth.

If left unchecked, plaque will eventually build in the cavity between the gum and the teeth, spreading further down the tooth to the root and eventually to the bone beneath. Once plaque has a chance to solidify, it hardens into what is known as tartar, which will require a dentist to remove.

As the condition persists, there are several factors that can worsen or hasten it, including smoking or chewing tobacco, poor oral hygiene, poor diet, and certain medications. 

Common Symptoms

The earliest sign of gum disease is the presence of gingivitis, where the gums swell and occasionally bleed during brushing or flossing. If gingivitis is left unchecked, the gum tissue may begin to separate, causing more noticeable inflammation.

Teeth may begin to loosen or shift, and may even look longer because the gums are beginning to recede. Persistent bad breath from bacteria trapped under the gum tissue is another sign of gum disease. 

Treatment

First, the plaque has to be removed to stop the inflammation of the gum tissue. The earlier this happens, the easier it will be to clean the teeth and reverse the symptoms. With the bacteria from the plaque removed, the gums will begin to heal and reattach to the teeth.

If the bacteria has developed pockets around the root of the tooth or the jaw bone, there are minimally invasive surgical procedures that can be done. For example, dentists can use a laser to clean away the bacteria.

Avoid this condition altogether by practicing good oral hygiene. Make sure you brush and floss every day, eat a healthy diet, and schedule regular checkups with your dentist. 

Your oral health is essential to your overall health. The staff at Anthony J. Adams, DDS - Healthy Body Dental in Clearwater, FL, understands and reinforces this principle. With over 35 years in the business, they deliver a unique, holistic approach to improving your health by starting with your smile. To speak with a staff member about scheduling an appointment, call (727) 799-3123 or visit their website for more information.