Educate yourself on the biggest oral health problem in America
As your local dentist of St. George, UT, we want to shed light on a problem that we see often in our office: gum disease. We want to help you know what gum disease is, the problems that arise when gum disease is present, how dentists deal with gum disease, and how to prevent the condition for yourself.
What Causes Gum Disease?
Gum disease (also known by its official name as Periodontal disease) is the leading cause of adult tooth loss, and one of the biggest dental costs for adults in the U.S. The main cause of gum disease is the buildup of plaque on the teeth over time. While plaque cannot be seen with the naked eye, it builds up and causes damage if proper care is not put into maintaining clean teeth.
Resulting Problems
The complications of gum disease are varied, including: bad breath, bleeding swollen gums, and loose teeth. The main problem that people should be aware of is tooth loss. Over time, if Periodontal disease is not taken care of, the teeth will become loose and eventually fall out. Fear of tooth loss is usually reason enough for people to take care of their teeth, but gum disease can still occur.
As dentists, we will consult with our patients who have gum disease to help you handle your situation. We will provide solutions from our perspective, and teach you what you should do at home home to minimize the bone loss.
Prevention
When it comes to preventing gum disease in your own mouth, the advice is generally what you have heard from dentists for years: Brush your teeth twice a day, floss, and get dental checkups frequently. If you take these precautions, it is much less likely that you will contract gum disease. However, if you have not had a recent checkup or if you suspect gum disease or another dental problem, come to your local dentist of St. George UT at Ence Dentistry and we’ll get things sorted out for you!
