Gum disease is a serious health issue that affects a large portion of Americans today. It’s defined as inflammation in the gum line that causes serious damage to the bones around your teeth.
There are three stages of gum disease, with each one increasing in severity. All stages can end up causing a significant impact on the dental health of the afflicted.
It starts with Gingivitis, which is caused by dental plaque that builds up around the gum line. Luckily, Gingivitis can be reversed pretty easily since the bones and connective tissue are not yet affected by the disease. It’s still something to look out for during your time between dental visits. Next comes Periodontitis, which is when the supporting bones surrounding the teeth are permanently damaged. You need to get professional help fast to prevent further damage to your gums and bones surrounding your teeth. Lastly, Advanced Periodontitis is the final stage of gum disease. The bones and fibers of your teeth are literally being destroyed at this point. If you are looking for a periodontist in Fairfield County, CT, look no further than Stamford Periodontics & Implant Dentistry Center, LLC.
Gum disease can be very tough to detect without a professional dentist looking at your teeth. Often, the early stage of gum disease is painless, which makes it even tougher for early detection. Below, we’ve detailed the top three causes of gum disease:
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Plaque
Plaque, which is a layer of bacteria that forms on your teeth and gums, is pretty much the most common cause of gum disease in individuals. By brushing, flossing, and rinsing consistently you can keep plaque to a minimum. Additionally, frequent visits to your local dentist in Fairfield County, CT can help you detect and prevent gum disease.
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Smoking
Smoking cigarettes and using tobacco products wreak havoc on your gums. It can cause gum recession and make your mouth very vulnerable to harmful bacteria. Dealing with gum recession caused by smoking requires professional help. Smoking can seriously damage your gum line and also accelerate the 3 stages of gum disease.
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Bad Nutrition
The phrase “you are what you eat” is extremely relevant in relation to dental hygiene. If you are eating a diet high in carbohydrates and sugar, you are asking for trouble. The third most common cause of gum disease is bad nutrition. Make sure you are drinking enough water and keeping sugary food consumption to a minimum.
We hope that the three most common causes of gum disease mentioned above provide you with some proactive information to help you mitigate the risk of gum disease. If you are having issues with gum recession or think you might have one of the stages of gum disease, come to Stamfordperio Dentist in Fairfield County, CT for the help and information your mouth deserves.
