All those posters in your dentist’s office in Tampa about gum disease aren’t just for decoration. They are actually a constant reminder/PSA about the harmful effects of gum disease. It’s also easy to forget about the importance of healthy gums. We spend a lot of time focusing on teeth that we forget about how critical gums are. So, let’s take a brief look at gum disease and see why your dentist in Tampa constantly reminds you about it.
Causes and Symptoms Gum Disease
Causes
The two major causes of gum disease are as follows: one is the thriving of bacteria in your mouth and the second is that it finds places to hide in. Over time this leads to the bacteria to build up around the gums and therefore cause inflammation. Left unchecked, this can lead to more serious gum issues. So, it’s important to check in with your local dentist in Tampa to protect your mouth from gum disease.
Symptoms
Here are just a few things you may want to bring up to your dentist:
- Prolonged bad breath
- Swollen/inflamed gums
- Bleeding gums
- Loose teeth and/or sensitive teeth
- Receding gum line
Harmfulness of Gum Disease
Severe gum disease doesn’t necessarily stop at your teeth. It actually can cause more serious problems. For example it could lead to heart disease or even a stroke. Research is currently looking at the link between certain types of bacteria and gum inflammation which can cause heart disease. Another harmful result of severe gum disease is premature births or low birth weights. This is because the link between pregnancy and gum disease affects fertility and pregnancy.
Prevention
So, how can you combat gum disease? Many adults have some form of gum disease, but don’t be dismayed. There are ways to fight gum disease and you can actually be fully cured. Just remember a few key things. First, brush your teeth at least twice a day to remove food debris from your teeth. This will help fight off cavities. Second, make sure you floss so that you can reach those hard to reach spots in between your teeth. Lastly, make sure to schedule regular checkups with your dentist in order to have a professional cleaning done.
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