What Causes Gum Disease?

Gum disease is often a slow infection that eventually results in the loss of teeth. It’s often painless while it progresses, and one of its most notable symptoms is halitosis.

No one is thrilled to hear they have a diagnosis of periodontitis (gum disease).

Once the disease causes damage, there’s no reversing it on your own.

Prevention is the best way to keep gums healthy. To avoid getting gum disease in the first place, however, you need to know what triggers the infection.

It’s all About That Bacteria

Everything boils down to bacteria.

Dental plaque contains millions of different kinds of germs, many of which secrete toxins that are irritating to gum tissue. If these bacteria are left on teeth and soft tissues for too long, the gums can get inflamed in a condition called gingivitis.

Your Body’s Response to Infection

It’s bacteria that are responsible for triggering gum inflammation. But the way your body reacts also plays a role in how aggressively the infection progresses.

Bacterial toxins set off an immune response, which releases chemicals that attack the gum tissues and bone around teeth.

Untreated gingivitis can advance to periodontitis. At this stage, bacteria cause more and more gum tissues to become inflamed. As they swell, they shrink away from the tooth roots, creating pockets. These pockets trap more plaque bacteria where it’s hard to remove, and the cycle keeps going.

Your gums are just as important to your oral health as your teeth are. Take good care of them with preventative dental checkups. An experienced family dental practice is your best line of defense in detecting and reversing early signs of gum disease. Call Marietta Dental Professionals today to schedule your next exam.