Discover the crucial role your gums play in maintaining oral health with Elite Dental Aesthetics in Reno. From protecting tooth roots to anchoring teeth in their sockets, your gums are essential. Learn about gum disease, its causes, signs, and potential health risks. With proper hygiene and regular dental care, you can prevent periodontitis and maintain healthy gums.
What do your gums do?
The soft tissue in your mouth, like skin, has a key job. It safeguards the roots of your teeth. It also provides a barrier for the connective tissues and ligaments that hold your teeth in their sockets. Plus the alveolar bone in which your teeth are anchored.
What is gum disease?
Gum disease starts with inflammation. Gums become swollen and tender. In its early stages, gum disease is called gingivitis. As the disease advances, the gums pull away from the teeth, developing pockets. This is called periodontitis or periodontal disease.
What causes gum disease?
Bacteria are always present in the oral cavity. When it is left on the teeth and gums, it turns into plaque. Plaque is a thick coating of bacteria on your gums and teeth. Plaque accumulates if it is not removed by rinsing, brushing, and flossing. If plaque builds up in the pockets, the gums can start loosening. When plaque hardens, it is called tartar or calculus. You can’t brush away tartar with your toothbrush. You need to have a professional dental cleaning.
What are the signs of gum disease?
- Swollen gums
- Bad breath
- Detached gums
- A change in the color of gums
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Pain and tenderness
- Pus between teeth and gums
- Teeth that appear longer
- Growing spaces between teeth
- Changes in your bite
How does gingivitis threaten your health?
Gum disease boosts your risk of:
- Stroke
- Heart disease
- Heart attacks
- Diabetes
- Cancer
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Osteoporosis
- Asthma
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Low infant birth weight
Can periodontitis be prevented?
Yes. Proper dental hygiene, professional dental cleanings, and a healthy diet can keep gums healthy.
For information on treatment for periodontitis, schedule a gum disease exam and consultation by calling 775-200-1956.
Contact Elite Dental Aesthetics:
775-200-1956
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
85 Foothill Rd Ste 2 Reno, NV
Reno, Nevada
89511