Most people take dental hygiene less seriously compared to other forms of hygiene. This leads to many people having dental problems that they are unaware of or choose to ignore.
Gum disease is relatively common among people and is usually a result of poor oral hygiene. Tasks as simple as brushing two times a day and visiting your dentist can significantly reduce your chances of developing gum disease. You can find out more about dental hygiene by visiting Dr. Jeremy K. Ueno.
Who is Dr. Jeremy K. Ueno?
Dr. Jeremy K. Ueno is an experienced dental specialist who has been in practice for many years. After completing his dental medicine training, he founded the Ueno Center Dental Specialists. This center combines advancements in technology with dental science to provide one of the country’s most highly rated dental practices.
Despite his busy schedule, he also lectures regularly both in and out of the country on issues involving periodontology. He and his peers from the American Academy of Periodontology meet periodically to discuss periodontology and implantology matters.
What is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is an infection of the gum that destroys soft tissues around the gum, which may eventually damage the bones holding your teeth. Your teeth hence become loose or may even fall out.
Signs and Symptoms of Periodontal Disease
These may include:
- Bad breath
- Pain when chewing
- Receding gums portraying longer teeth than normal
- Change in how your teeth fit when eating
- Loose teeth
- Spitting of blood during flossing or brushing
- Teeth falling out
- Tender gums
- Gums appearing swollen
- Gums have a bright red color
- Bleeding of gums occurs fairly easily
- Formation of pus in between your gums and teeth
- Spaces between your teeth that were not there before
- Loss of teeth
Causes of Periodontal Disease
A sticky substance that inhabits bacteria forms around your teeth and gums, known as plaque, and develops when bacteria in your mouth is in contact with sugars and starches in your mouth. Despite brushing your teeth, plaque is easily formed again after a short period.
After some time, the plaque hardens to form tartar. Tartar is harder to remove, and together with the plaque, it results in much more damage. A dental specialist is the only one that can remove tartar.
Inflammation and irritation of your gums occur, resulting in a condition known as gingivitis. This can also only be reversed by a dentist.
If these conditions persist without medical intervention, periodontitis occurs, resulting in damage to your gum tissue, bones, and teeth.
Factors that may contribute to your risk of getting gum disease include:
- Poor oral hygiene
- Smoking or chewing tobacco
- Certain medications that may cause dry mouth
- Drugs used for recreation such as vaping
- Obesity
- Gingivitis
Visiting your dentist for checkups and good oral hygiene goes a long way in preventing the contraction of periodontal disease. Check out our website or visit our offices in Campbell, California, for more information.