What Is Gum Disease and What Causes It?

You might have heard of gum disease, but do you know what it actually is?

Gum disease or periodontal disease starts out as an infection that damages the soft tissue of your gums and if not treated, it can destroy the bone that supports teeth and it can result in you losing your teeth!

So what causes gum disease and how can you avoid it?

Plaque build up is how gum disease starts. If you don’t clean your teeth and remove the plaque adequately, then it can lead to gum disease.

Here are some other factors that can lead to gum disease:

• If you are 65 or older

• If you smoke or chew tobacco

• Genetics

• Stress

Bottom line is, it is imperative that you clean your teeth twice daily and floss once daily. Even if you do brush and floss regularly, regular checkups with us will help to detect signs of infection in your gums.

Have you scheduled your appointment yet for this calendar year? Call us today!