Gum inflammation can be a serious condition that may impact your overall health. The dental team at Charles M. Marks, DDS & Dental Associates, can detect symptoms of Midtown gingivitis at the earliest stage to help save your pearly whites. The earlier you seek treatment, the more likely the dental procedure will reverse inflammation and prevent tooth loss.
What causes gum inflammation?
The principal cause of gum inflammation is plaque accumulation on the teeth and gums. Bacteria feed on the plaque and produce acids that cause cavities. The microbes accumulate around the base of your teeth, irritating the gum tissue.
Tooth decay and malocclusions may create pockets around the gums where food debris can accumulate. The longer it takes to clear the plaque, the higher the risk of gum disease.
Conditions such as oral thrush fungal infection called C. Albicans. Your immune system often contains fungus when you are healthy. But physiological conditions may allow the fungus to accumulate.
You may notice yellow and white lesions on some areas of your oral cavity, including cheeks, tongue, and gums. Oral thrush may cause dryness and encourage disease-causing bacteria to accumulate.
Gingivitis and periodontal disease
Gingivitis describes the earliest stages of gum inflammation. The Symptoms are not always apparent at this phase. But most patients experience bleeding, red, and swollen gum.
Untreated gingivitis can progress to periodontal disease if it remains untreated. Later stages of inflammation may cause the teeth to pull away from the gums. It may lead to tooth loss due to jawbone deterioration.
A dental cleaning can reverse the progression of gingivitis or periodontal disease. Tartar is a mineralized form of plaque and is often tough to remove. Only a dental specialist has the expertise and tools to clear tartar completely.
How can you prevent gingivitis?
You can reduce your risk of gum disease by quitting smoking and avoiding tobacco consumption. The nicotine in tobacco constricts blood vessels and disrupts the supply of nutrients to your gums and teeth.
Another way to reduce the risk of gum disease is by adhering to your dental hygiene routine. Brushing removes plaque from the tooth’s surface before it turns into tartar. You should brush your teeth twice a day and ensure to floss at least once daily.
You can also prevent gum disease by adopting a balanced diet with minerals and vitamins. Vitamin C supports the production of collagen, which maintains the structural integrity of your gum tissue. Vitamin C deficiency causes irritation and gum inflammation.
Another factor is complications due to poorly fitted appliances like bridges and implants. The dental devices may irritate the gum tissue and encourage inflammation.
Gum disease may also develop due to hormonal changes during pregnancy. Diseases like diabetes and HIV can diminish your immune system’s response. A weakened immune system can allow for fast disease progression.
Whether you have a condition that impacts the immune response or oral thrush, it is advisable to visit your dentist regularly. Routine dental checkups can unearth symptoms before inflammation progresses into periodontal disease. Early interventions are more affordable and less likely to cause complications.
Contact Charles M. Marks, DDS & Dental Associates, for more information on tooth and gum disease treatments.
