3 Things to Know About Gum Disease

Unless you yourself work in the dental industry, you may not know the first thing about gum disease. However, as one of the most prevalent oral conditions that we at Arcadia Dental Arts see patients for, it never hurts to learn a little more about your oral health. Let’s take a closer look at three things to know about gum disease.

It’s Common Because…

The main reason why gum disease is so common among patients is because it’s so easy to get. The primary cause of gum disease is poor oral hygiene. When too much plaque builds up on your teeth it can harden and turn into tartar along your gum line which can cause your gums to become infected. Luckily, with regular tooth brushing and biannual cleanings, you should be able to fight plaque and tartar buildup and avoid gum disease altogether.

Smoking Doesn’t Help

Smoking can cause a variety of oral issues including bad breath, dry mouth, oral cancer, and yes, even gum disease. Studies have shown that tobacco use (including vaping) increases your chances of developing gum disease as well as other oral conditions. If you are a smoker, keep this in mind.

It Can Be Stopped Before it Gets Worse

If left untreated, gum disease can cause severe oral issues such as tooth loss. However, if it is caught in the early stages and is treated early on, gum disease can be stopped before it gets worse. Typically in early stages, we can simply perform a professional prophylaxis (teeth cleaning) to help get rid of the tartar and restore the gum line.

If you have red, swollen, tender, bleeding gums then you may have gum disease. During a brief examination at Arcadia Dental arts, we will be able to give you a proper diagnosis. To learn more about gum diseases or other oral health issues, schedule a consultation at our Phoenix office today and call 602.957.9643.