How healthy is your mouth? Do you experience bleeding gums? Do you have bad breath? If so, you might have periodontal disease. If you’re not familiar with the term periodontal, it basically means teeth, and, more specifically, periodontal disease involves the infection of the gums around teeth as well as the cementum that covers the root, as well as the periodontal ligament and the alveolar bone. The beginning stages of periodontal disease is called “gingivitis,” which is an infection that’s only affecting the gums.

How Can You Get Periodontal Disease?

How does a person get periodontal disease? Basically, it’s caused by bacteria in dental plaque. Your body tries to get rid of this bacteria, so it releases a substance that inflames the gums and surrounding areas. When this happens, you’ll notice swollen gums that may bleed, especially if you brush them too hard or awkwardly floss.

Besides plaque build-up, other causes of periodontal disease can include hormonal changes in life (puberty, menopause, etc.), as well as illnesses like cancer or HIV, and taking certain medications which decreases saliva production and may lead to increased bacteria growth. Smoking is also a problem for the teeth and gums, as well as not properly brushing and flossing.

If you suspect gingivitis or periodontal disease, get a dental exam at Brockport Dental. The dentist will look for things like receding gums, formation of deep pockets between the teeth and gums, changes in the way your teeth fit together when you bite down, etc. Treatment plans are dependent on the stage of the disease; Early detection is important. There are certain toothpastes you can use to calm down the problem of gingivitis/periodontal disease.

Call Brockport Dental at 585-636-0555 to schedule your appointment today! Brockport Dental offers personalized dental care. We believe in preventative care and educating people about dental health. Best of all, we’re committed to safety, especially during these pandemic times. Don’t hesitate to call today.