What Causes Gum Disease or Gingivitis?

It is estimated, more than 3 million new cases of periodontal disease (gum disease) are diagnosed in the United States each year. Periodontal disease is a very common condition that is easily preventable with the right oral hygiene and regular appointments to your dentist. However, even with the best oral hygiene, periodontal disease can still develop. When caught during the first stage of the disease, known as gingivitis, the condition is easily treatable without producing any long-term damage. As your dentist for gum disease in Savannah, we offer the care you need to prevent and treat periodontal disease.

What is Gum Disease?

Periodontal disease is an infection that develops in the gum. Naturally, our mouths contain bacteria, which is one reason brushing and flossing are important. Brushing and flossing remove bacteria from around the gum line. But, when proper oral hygiene isn’t practiced, bacteria begins to accumulate around the gum line in the form of plaque and tarter. Overtime, the accumulation of bacteria causes the gums to become inflamed and infected. When the infection is caught in the early stage, gingivitis, the infection can quickly be stopped without causing any long-term damage.

Unfortunately, not too many people recognize the early symptoms of periodontal disease, which causes the condition to progress. When gingivitis is left untreated, pockets in the gums begin to form. These pockets trap bacteria in between the gum and the tooth. This causes bacteria to thrive, allowing the severity of the infection to increase. What started out as bleeding and tender gums quickly leads to pain, tooth sensitivity, and eventually tooth loss.

What Causes Gum Disease?

While gum disease is often caused by poor oral hygiene, there are many factors that increase your likeliness to develop gum disease. For example, certain hormonal changes, such as pregnancy, puberty and menopause increase the risk for gum disease. Not to mention certain illnesses, medical conditions, and medications that hinder the body’s ability to fight infections can make it easier for gum disease to develop. Often, those with a family history of gum disease are more prone to develop gum disease than those without. Certain lifestyle habits, like tobacco use, often lead to the onset of gum disease.

No matter the cause or risk factors you have for developing the condition, your dedication to your oral health is the key factor for preventing the condition.

Treating Gum Disease in Savannah

In addition to proper home oral hygiene, regular visits to your dentist play a crucial role in preventing gum disease. Regular dental cleanings remove plaque and tarter from the gum line while also checking your oral health to spot the signs of gum disease in the early stages. Should the condition develop, we offer treatment for gum disease in Savannah. With the right care and early intervention, we can successfully treat gingivitis in Savannah. However, should gum disease be found after it has progressed, we provide periodontal therapy to stop the spread of the infection while repairing the damage that has occurred.