New Teeth Specialists in New York Discuss the Health Implications of Gum Disease,PART 1

This four-part article series takes a look at the many health implications and dangersassociated with untreated periodontal or gum disease.

When it comes to a healthy mouth and a beautiful smile, too many people focus exclusivelyupon the teeth, which tend to steal the limelight. But good oral health is about more thanjust dazzling white teeth. According to new teeth specialists in New York, the professionalswho replace missing teeth with dental implants, good gum health is just as integral to oralhealth and a beautiful smile. Unfortunately, a shocking percentage of the population suffersfrom some stage of gum disease, whether it’s a localized infection or pervasiveperiodontitis.

In this four-part article series, we shall be speaking to a dental implant in New York whowill provide us with a comprehensive overview of gum disease. In this article, the firstinstallment, we shall be taking a look at exactly what gum disease is and how it makes itsprogression from mild gingivitis to aggressive periodontitis.

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Gum disease is a chronic and advanced bacterial infection of the gums generally caused bya neglect of proper oral hygiene and habits such as smoking and a poor diet. Morespecifically, gum disease is caused by the accumulation of plaque, which is composed oforal bacteria, on the teeth and gums. “If not removed frequently by thorough brushing andflossing, plaque can harden into tartar and this can only be removed by a dentist or oralhygienist,” explains a dental implant specialist in New York.”

“Over time, the oral bacteria work their way down into the narrow gaps between the toothroots and the gums, allowing deep, chronically infected pockets to form. Since this alloccurs beneath the gum line, no amount of brushing or flossing on your behalf willeliminate infection, so it’s at this juncture that professional treatment becomes necessary.”

One of the most important things patients must remember is that the longer you ignoregum problems, the more painful and uncomfortable your condition will get. Additionally,you will stand a greater risk of losing your teeth and this is not even to mention howprogressively expensive treatment gets with time and neglect.

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Gum disease begins as gingivitis, which means “inflammation of the gums”. At this stage,your gums appear red instead of their usual pink, healthy color. They may also appearswollen and will tend to bleed easily when you eat crunchy foods or brush and floss.“Gingivitis is as easily treated as it is prevented,” says a dental implant specialist in NewYork. “If you have noticed that your gums are inflamed, swollen and bleed easily, bookyourself an appointment with your dentist. In most cases, your oral health can be restoredwith some professional cleanings and with increased home oral hygiene efforts.”

You should also re-asses your lifestyle, diet and try to change any bad habits that may behaving a negative impact upon the health of your teeth and gums. Again, early interventionis of vital importance, because if left without treatment, gingivitis can progress to becomeperiodontitis, which requires professional intervention.

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Periodontitis is an advanced infection of the gums surrounding the teeth. At this stage,bacteria have penetrated the gum margin, forming deep pockets of infection around thetooth roots. “Without treatment, this can seriously damage the teeth and their supportingstructures, which is why advanced gum disease is known to cause tooth loss,” explains anew teeth specialist in New York. “One of the defining symptoms of periodontitis, inaddition to the symptoms mentioned for gingivitis, is when the gums recede from thecrowns of the teeth. This is caused by the breaking down of the ligaments and bone thatformerly supported the teeth and gums.”

We shall be discussing the symptoms of the various stages of gum disease in much greaterdetail in the next installment of this four-part article series, so tune in again next week!

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To read more about gum disease and the various impacts it can have upon one’s generalhealth, stay tuned for the second installment of this four-part article series.