It might surprise you to learn that nearly half of Americans over 30–47%–have an advanced stage of gum disease known as periodontitis. That number climbs to 70% in older populations. Why is gum disease so common, and how can you keep yourself from getting it?
Gum disease is the result of infection by bacteria in the mouth. Initially, gums experience minor inflammation, redness, and can bleed easily when one brushes or flosses. But pain is not typically associated with this early stage of gum disease, known as gingivitis. For this reason, many people may not think they have a problem.
But gum disease is serious. If left untreated, it can worsen into periodontitis, and seriously damage the gums spread down into deeper tissues. Gums can pull away from teeth, forming pockets where bacteria accumulate. Eventually, connective tissues suffer and teeth can loosen and even fall out.
Periodontics can provide treatment for serious gum disease, but its effects are not always reversible. Prevention is always the best treatment. The best way to prevent gum disease is to remove plaque from the teeth with effective oral hygiene. By removing plaque, the threat of infection is eliminated. Be sure to brush twice a day, and floss at least once. Further, and antiseptic mouth rinse can kill other bacteria in the mouth that brushing and flossing miss.
If you would like to learn more about gum disease or schedule an appointment with Dr. Kamy Noruzi to discuss prevention or treatment plans, please call Fox River Periodontics, PC at our Geneva, IL, office today.