Gum Disease
Keeping up with periodontal health is the best way to prevent more serious issues from arising.
Gum disease is a common dental problem that may result in tooth loss. It includes gingivitis and periodontitis. One or several teeth can be affected. To reduce the risk of periodontal disease, regular dental care is recommended.
Causes of gum disease include: smoking and tobacco use; genetic; poor oral hygiene; hormonal changes (pregnancy and puberty); stress; medication; and diabetes.
Gingivitis - If plaque is not properly removed from the tooth, it can irritate the gums around the teeth, leading to gingivitis (red, swollen, bleeding gums).
Periodontitis - When gingivitis is not treated it can advance to periodontitis, which involves the destruction of bone and structures supporting the teeth. Eventually, teeth can become loose.