Do you have bad breath? What about red swollen gums that bleed? If so, then you’re more than likely to have what’s called gum disease which is also called periodontal disease. The scary truth about this disease that it’s linked up to heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and many other health risks! So the earlier you catch it, the better the outcome.

Periodontal disease is caused by bacteria left behind by food that affects the tissue that surrounds and support your teeth. This bacterium is also known as plaque, the white/yellowish sticky film that covers your teeth. Over time this plaque hardens into calculus also called tartar, which is only removed by the dentist or hygienist. Bacteria are forming under the calculus because floss or even a toothbrush cannot keep below the gums clean. As a result, the bacteria are infecting your gums! Your body is trying to fight off this harmful infection, but this is a losing battle. Once you’re body is trying to fight off the infection you start to lose bone that hold your teeth in place. So what happens when there is few or no bone to hold a tooth in place? It can fall out! This is why we recommend that you get your teeth cleaned every six months. Some cases have cleanings every three or four months.

So let’s break it down:

(Food = Bacteria) (Bacteria = Plaque) (Plaque = Calculus) (Calculus = Infection) (Infection = Gum Disease) Gum Disease = Bone Loss) (Bone Loss = No Teeth)

Caring for gum disease is surprisingly simple depending on the severity level of the tooth, gums, and bone. Early stages are the red swollen gums that bleed when flossing or brushing. This stage is called Gingivitis. A professional cleaning along with excellent Oral Hygiene Care at home, flossing and brushing twice a day, will completely reverse the disease. Other stage of the disease is redder gums that also bleed, minimal calculus ( food that has become hard or calcified) has built up on the tooth near the gum line, and periodontal pockets measurement of four or more. A periodontal pocket is the area between the tooth and gum that the dentist or hygienist measure to see how much bone has been lost. Some people will lose a good portion of the bone and might even have to have some teeth extracted.

Healthy gums are supposed to look pink with periodontal pockets no higher than 3mm with no build up, calculus, tartar, plaque, or bacteria! The ones that care about their teeth and want to keep eating that delicious food will brush twice a day, floss at least once a day, and come to their 6 month check up. Not only do they get their teeth cleaned but also catch cavities at an early stage so they don’t lead to root canal or extractions.

Now remember, the sooner you get a check up the better! Thank you for reading and we hope that now you are aware of the outcomes that you’ll choose to save that gorgeous smile!

From Dr. Manish Rana, DDS and our team at Monterey Dental Center & Cumberland Dentistry.