Gum disease is usually caused by a build-up of plaque on teeth and along the gum line. Plaque is a sticky coating containing bacteria.
If plaque on your teeth reaches the gum line, it can irritate or infect the gum tissue and therefore, the immune system tries to get rid of plaque with an inflammation response. This is seen by the redness, itchiness, swelling and bleeding of the gum around the tooth. This is the first stage of gum disease which is also known as gingivitis.
The advanced stage of gum disease is periodontitis. At this stage, it can start to damage the supporting structures of the teeth and can eventually cause teeth to fall out. According to recent studies, gum disease could potentially increase the risk of developing other health problems, including heart disease, digestive disorders, stroke, type 2 diabetes, cancer and Alzheimer’s Disease.
Teeth brushing and flossing alone are not always enough to get rid of gum disease. Early treatment from a dentist may be needed to help save teeth that are at risk due to gum disease. If you suffer from bleeding, redness and swelling of the gums, don’t delay in seeking help from our friendly staff.
To discover more call today on (02) 4784 2561.
