Information on Gum Disease

Ritter and Ramsey General and Cosmetic Dentistry service Jupiter, Palm Beach Gardens, and all of Palm Beach County, Florida.

To understand gum disease you must first understand what your gums are. The gums in your mouth are also called gingiva. They are part of the soft tissue that line the mouth. This tissue surrounds the teeth and provides a seal around them. The soft tissue in your lips and cheeks is just that, soft. Your gums are tightly bound to the underlying bone so the gums can resist the constant friction of food passing over them. Healthy gums are usually coral pink in color and may be darker as the pigment of the skin darkens. The health of your gums can have an impact and effect on your overall general health.

Now, what is gum disease? You can see a sore on your arm or leg. You get a nasty scratch that bleeds and you don’t clean it. The skin becomes red and possibly infected. Because you can see it you decide to do something about it. Your gums are skin or tissue as well. Something is causing irritation and infection. Look at your toothbrush. Does it have a pink tinge when you are finished brushing? Now look in the mirror. Do your gums look swollen or are a deeper red? Have you noticed that your breath has been bad lately? Our mouths are absolutely full of bacteria. Nasty thought but it is the reality of it all. This bacteria and mucus form a sticky, colorless material that will stick to your teeth called plaque. If you do not brush and floss regularly this plaque will soon become tartar. The gums will become inflamed as they become infected by this bacteria, or plaque and tartar. If left neglected this can lead to the deterioration of those tissues and sooner or later the bone that support your teeth. Remember, this tissue is intended to create a seal around your teeth.

The earliest stage of gum disease is called gingivitis. This actually can be common in regards to the negative effects on the oral cavity. This can be corrected by a dentist and hygienist. If you continue to neglect proper brushing and flossing this gingivitis can progress to periodontitis. Now you will have issues with the deterioration of the tissue, the teeth and the supporting bone. Your teeth may become loose as a result of this.

It’s easy. Don’t let it get this far. Gum disease is usually painless so it may be difficult to realize if you have it. Just brush and floss on a regular basis for starters and see your dentist on a regular basis as well. Look for some warning signs if necessary. Your gums begin to bleed, or they are red, swollen and tender. Look and see if your gums are pulling away from your teeth. We also mentioned bad breath earlier. That would be because of the build-up of plaque and tartar. If you notice loose teeth or a bite pattern change see your dentist. Gum disease can easily be prevented with proper oral hygiene. It’s on you.

In you're interested in learning more about gum disease, or are concerned you may have symptoms it's not to late to get treatment. Contact Ritter and Ramsey General and Cosmetic Dentistry located in Jupiter, Fl for your consultation today. We're happy to help you start your journey towards optimal oral health.

If you're just interested in reading more about gum disease, and learning more, here's some reading on suggested gum disease cures.