Have you ever wondered how gum disease causes tooth loss? It typically starts out as gingivitis, an inflammation of the gums, which seems harmless enough, like a rash for your gums. Unfortunately, gingivitis is a serious matter. Too often it develops into periodontitis, a more damaging form of gum disease that is capable of causing tooth loss. But how does this process happen? Your Allen dentist, Dr. Marco Cueva, explains chain of events that leads from gingivitis to tooth loss.
Gingivitis to Periodontitis
Gingivitis seems harmless when you first hear about it. However, gingivitis inhibits your immune system’s response to it. Because your immune system is compromised, gingivitis often progresses into periodontitis.
What Is Periodontitis?
Periodontitis is a more damaging form of gum disease that attacks the base of teeth and the ligaments and tissues that support them. As these ligaments and tissues decay, teeth become loose and can eventually fall out.
Symptoms of Periodontitis and Other Forms of Gum Disease
The following symptoms can indicate unhealthy gums:
- The development of pockets between the gums and teeth
- Bleeding gums
- Sensitive gums
- Swollen gums
- Red gums
- Loose teeth
- Shifting teeth
Treating and Preventing Gum Disease
To treat periodontitis, your Allen dentist, Dr. Cueva, may perform a root planing and scaling, which removes the bacteria between the teeth and gums. The removal of this bacteria helps to limit the damage done to the teeth, tissues, and ligaments.
To prevent gum disease, proper homecare and regular dental visits are vital. Be sure to brush your teeth twice a day and floss once a day. Also, attend regular dental visits with your Allen dentist every six months.
Schedule a Visit with Your Allen Dentist
If you notice any symptoms of gum disease, don’t neglect to seek dental care. Doing so may result in the progression of gum disease. Schedule an appointment or a consultation with your Allen dentist, Dr. Cueva, today. Our 75013 dental office welcomes patients from Allen, Plano, Richardson, McKinney, Frisco, Fairview, Murphy, Wylie, Lewisville, Carrolton, and surrounding communities.
