Gum disease is a serious and destructive dental issue that can severely harm your oral health and smile. In fact, it is the leading cause of tooth loss.
This disease develops when the plaque on your teeth is left untreated. At first, it begins irritating your gums, making them swell, bleed, then recede. It also causes persistent bad breath. If it’s left untreated, the plaque, which can turn into tartar, can irritate the gums so much that they move away from the teeth, creating pockets of infection. At this point, the toxic particles of the plaque and tartar can spread underneath the gum line and deteriorate the underlying bone. This then creates loose and lost teeth.
Unfortunately, this disease can also affect your systemic health. It has been found to be linked to an array of other health issues, like diabetes, heart disease, respiratory disease, and certain types of cancer. It can also have a negative effect on pregnancy. If you’re not careful, your entire body can suffer from gum disease.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, almost half of Americans over age 30 have gum disease, and most don’t even know it! The best thing you can do to prevent as well as treat gum disease is visit Dr. Roderick Spencer. Your dentist has many treatments available that can thoroughly clean your smile, remove the plaque and tartar from your teeth, and maintain or restore your oral health. Those treatments are:
The treatments we suggest will depend on the condition of your oral health and on your unique needs and preferences, and we will listen intently to any concerns or requests you have regarding your treatment. If you have any questions or if you are due for your next dental cleaning, which is one of the best treatments that can help you prevent gum disease, please call Suite Dental at 406-602-4100 and schedule an appointment. We look forward to helping you!