According to the National Institutes of Health, many adults in the United States are afflicted by periodontal (gum) disease. The same oral bacteria that result in plaque and tartar can cause periodontal disease.
When this bacteria causes inflammation of the gums it is called gingivitis and can be treated by regular personal and professional cleanings, according to the NIH. A more serious form of gum disease is periodontitis, in which when the gums pull away from the teeth and form pockets of infection.
If left untreated, periodontitis causes the bones and tissue that support the teeth to break down resulting in tooth loss. Patients who smoke and who have been diagnosed with diabetes are at a greater risk for gum disease.
While dental professionals can help to control the infections or use deep cleaning techniques to remove them, it is better to prevent gum disease in the first place. Brushing and flossing regularly and avoiding smoking all help stifle any possible infection.
If you believe that you or someone you know may be affected by gum disease, visit Hill Family Dentistry at 36359 N Gantzel Rd, Suite 101 in San Tan Valley, Ariz. Hill Family Dentistry serves patients from across the valley who have gum disease. More information can be found by calling 480-588-8127 or visiting http://www.hillfamilydentistry.com.
For more information on gum disease, please visit http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/OralHealth/Topics/GumDiseases/PeriodontalGumDis...