While some might think losing teeth is inevitable with old age, there is a potential for all your teeth to last a lifetime. Among the ways you can accomplish this is to avoid periodontal disease a.k.a. gum disease. Periodontal disease is caused by bacteria that attack the gum tissue around your teeth. As the disease advances it results in bone loss within the jaw, tooth loss can happen shortly after.
Sadly, you might not even realize you have gum disease as the symptoms and signs aren't necessarily as apparent to you as they're to a dental professional.
Causes of gum disease:
Plaque build-up is the common cause of gum disease. Smoking can cause complications to the regular functions of the cells within gum tissue, this makes your mouth vulnerable to infections such as gum disease. Certain medications could have side effects that hinder the production of saliva causing dry mouth, allowing bacteria to readily spread. Other causes may stem from nutritional deficiencies, crooked teeth, family history and hormonal shifts.
Symptoms of gum disease:
- Gums that bleed during and after tooth brushing
- Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth
- Receding gums
- Formation of deep pockets between teeth and gums
