When brushing and flossing, many people tend to think that the health of their teeth equals their oral health. However, the truth is your gums are just as important to your oral health, if not more so. Your gums are part of a larger tissue system called the periodontium, and this system not only holds your teeth in place, but it also provides cushioning to prevent tooth damage when you chew or suffer physical trauma.
When gum disease gets serious, so do the treatments. The problem is that the damage occurs below the gum line, out of the reach of brushing and flossing. Typically, this means some aggressive scaling and root planing at the dentist’s office, and even full-on dental surgery that can cause an uncomfortable recovery.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, by age 17, 7% of Americans lose at least one permanent tooth due to decay. For adults 35-44, that number rises to 69%, and by age 50, the average American loses 12 teeth.
Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is a progressive bacterial infection that causes inflammation and destruction of the gum tissue. It can easily establish itself and worsen if you don’t maintain good oral hygiene and get regular dental checkups.
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a progressive bacterial infection that irritates, inflames, and eventually destroys gum tissue. If you fail to brush, floss, and get regular dental checkups, it can become entrenched and worsen over time.
