Oct
Gums are a part of a smile to which most people don’t give much thought. In fact, if it weren’t for popcorn, most people wouldn’t notice their gum until they experienced a more serious issue than stuck kernels. Gum disease is a condition that impacts millions of Americans in some form or another. And, often, it’s without their knowledge. That’s why today, gum disease is the number one culprit behind adult tooth loss. For this reason, at Vivid Dental, Dr. Monti Harpalani offers his patients comprehensive and first-class dental inflammation treatment options.
There are a few risk factors associated with gum disease. Those with health problems like diabetes often have a higher risk of developing or progressing to gum disease. The same is true for women experiencing regular hormonal fluctuations. Also, smokers or people who use tobacco products are at higher risk of developing the disease. Other risk factors can include:
While many things can cause gum disease, the trigger is always the same. The disease develops when there is an imbalance of bad versus good bacteria in your mouth. Both types of bacteria are naturally occurring. However, lifestyle and dietary habits, genetics, stress, and many other causes can spark an imbalance resulting in inflamed oral tissues.
As the bad bacteria continue to thrive, they feed on the sugars found on the gums and teeth. This produces toxins that eat away and damage healthy structures. Gingivitis develops as the inflammation progresses. During gum disease’s early stage, gums can appear swollen and red. You may also notice an odor or bad taste in your mouth.
It’s vital to recognize these early signs, as gingivitis is a disease we can treat and even reverse. In the early stages, plaque and any existing infection can be neutralized, allowing the gum tissue to return to a healthier state.
However, if the condition is left untreated, gingivitis becomes periodontitis. In this situation, all tissues below the gum line are impacted by harmful bacteria. However, even at this stage, gum disease is still manageable. Yet, it’s not reversible. To preserve both bone and tooth structure, a patient must undergo regular professional gum care.
At Vivid Dental, Dr. Harpalani and his team know how to win the battle against gum disease. Let us help you—Call 281-809-4902 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Harpalani today. Our office address is 11560 Farm to Market 1960 Rd W #200, Houston, TX.