Periodontal disease, the medical term for gum disease, is an inflammatory infection that affects an estimated 47 percent of adults over the age of 30. It often goes unnoticed in its early stages because it is normally pain free. Gum disease is caused by hardened tartar by the gum line and it can be accelerated by certain medical conditions as well as tobacco use.
The early stages of gum disease, called gingivitis, will have symptoms of red and inflamed gums which bleed easily when brushing, and also cause the carrier to have bad breath. If you have gingivitis symptoms, you can reverse the effects by practicing daily oral care and regularly having a dental cleaning.
If gingivitis is not treated, the gum disease will worsen into periodontitis disease. When this happens, the infection and inflammation will go deep into your gum tissue, causing it to pull away from the base of the teeth. This created opening at the base of the teeth can be a good place for an infection to form, and over time it can cause loss of bone structure as well as teeth.
Having periodontitis puts a strain on the immune system through systemic inflammation. There is research that indicates this strain can cause a person with periodontitis to develop other medical conditions and disease such as heart disease, some forms of cancer, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis.
If you think you may have periodontal disease, please call Center Creek Dental in Lehi, Utah at 801-766-3700. Dr. Ferrell and his expert staff are at your service!