Patient Portal 
Your gums do the hard work of keeping your teeth safe and secure in their sockets, but they can’t do their job without proper care. Gum disease is very common among people in America, but many do not know much about what causes it or what kind of damage it can do. It begins as gingivitis, but if left untreated, gum disease can advance to its more severe form called periodontitis. Here are some interesting facts about gum disease from your dentist in the spirit of Gum Care Month this September.
Gum Disease Can Happen at Any Age
While people usually hear about gum disease as if it were only an adult’s problem, children can get it just as easily even if they only have their baby teeth. While severe gum disease is not as common in children because they haven’t had the time to develop it yet, chronic gingivitis is almost as common as cavities. In fact, most OB doctors recommend that expectant mothers have regular dental exams and cleanings during early pregnancy because periodontitis can be spread from mother to unborn child.
Gum Disease Can Happen Despite an Excellent Oral Hygiene Regimen
In most cases, consistent oral hygiene coupled with routine preventive dental care is enough to prevent gum disease; however, sometimes it isn’t always enough. Some health factors and lifestyle choices can increase the risk of developing gum disease even if someone is dutifully brushing and flossing daily. These factors include diabetes, immune disorders, genetic conditions, medications, and excessive drinking or tobacco use. Keep in mind that even if your flawless oral hygiene didn’t prevent gum disease, it will still expedite your recovery from it by cleaning germs and debris from the mouth.
Gum Disease Destroys More Teeth Than Tooth Decay
When people think of tooth loss, they usually think it was caused by accident or tooth decay. However, gum disease is responsible for most cases of tooth loss in adults due to poor gum hygiene. This is in part due to how the symptoms of gum disease can be subtle in its early stages. Regular dental checkups are crucial to oral health because they can catch these small signs of trouble before they become massive problems that cause irreversible damage.
While gum disease is among the worst threats your teeth face, it can almost always be prevented with good habits and regular visits with your dentist. This Gum Care Month, make sure that your oral care regimen is ready to be your mouth’s first line of defense.
About the Author
Dr. Girish Sandadi earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery and his master’s in health administration at the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. He frequently expands his skills with continuing education courses and serves as a member of the American Dental Association and the Texas Dental Association. His office in Dallas, TX offers preventive, restorative, emergency, and cosmetic dentistry in addition to gum disease treatments. For more information on gum disease and how to prevent it, contact his office online or dial (214) 528-9990.