Poor oral hygiene habits can leave plaque and other bacterial deposits on your teeth. In time, they may harden into dangerous tartar near the gum line. Also known as calculus, this bacteria-rich substance can cause inflammation in the sensitive gum tissues.
Gum disease often starts out as the condition known as gingivitis, which causes red or inflamed-looking gums that tend to bleed easily during brushing and flossing. Many people with this level of gum inflammation also have chronic bad breath problems.
Fortunately, gum disease can often be treated by a thorough cleaning procedure at Jason M. Peterson, DDS’s Idaho Falls, Idaho clinic.
If you procrastinate gingivitis treatment, the bacterial presence will gradually escalate into the more severe form of gum disease known as periodontitis. This level of infection can cause your gums to recede from the base of your teeth. This can allow pockets of infection to form deep within the gums and in the sockets. In time, it can even result in a loss of bone structure deep down where your teeth anchor in the sockets.
Periodontitis can also cause system inflammation that can affect your immune system. New research has found that this can impact certain medical conditions including diabetes, heart disease and certain types of cancer. While periodontal disease cannot cause these problems, it can exacerbate symptoms and potentially limit certain treatment options.
If you live in the Idaho Falls, Idaho area and you’re concerned about the health of your gums, you should call 208.524.3400 to seek professional care at Jason M. Peterson, DDS’s clinic.