What Is the Cause of Periodontal Disease? [Video Snapshot]

Do you find that your gums bleed after brushing? Or maybe you’ve noticed that they’re sore and inflamed? These symptoms may be signs of periodontal disease! This inflammatory infection requires immediate care and attention from a professional dentist. At Brent Bradford, DDS, Dr. Bradford can spot the signs of periodontitis and help stop the spread of infection before it causes lasting damage. But what is the cause of your periodontal disease? You’ll need to visit a compassionate professional, such as Dr. Bradford in Syracuse, NY, to learn more information.

What Is Periodontal Disease?

During every routine appointment at Brent Bradford, DDS, we thoroughly assess your smile.

It’s during these appointments that we may find early signs of periontitis, or gum disease. This condition is primarily caused by the bacteria present in your mouth, which everyone has. But without proper care, bacteria manage to penetrate the gum tissue. As it deteriorates your gums, it can then reach your jaw, eroding the bone that supports your teeth.

While we employ various methods to determine the severity of Periodontal Disease, it’s important to note that bone loss is a key indicator for diagnosis.

However, gum disease starts as gingivitis, which is more difficult to detect. With gingivitis, you may have no idea you’re suffering an infection until the pain begins, and it’s already advanced to periodontitis.

If left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss, as you permanently lose the bone that secures your smile. But, if we catch your condition in the gingivitis stage, Dr. Bradford can stop the spread of infection, saving your gum and bone tissue! That is part of why it’s so important to attend routine dental visits.

During a check-up, we will spot gingivitis or periodontitis and create a treatment plan for your smile.

What Is the Cause of Periodontal Disease?

While gum disease can be difficult to spot initially, the cause of gum disease is typically obvious.

Periodontitis is primarily caused by the buildup of bacteria in your mouth. This bacterium is ever-present, but it becomes problematic when it adheres to the plaque that accumulates on your teeth.

Without regular professional cleanings to remove plaque, it persists, allowing bacteria to flourish. Eventually, the bacteria will crawl underneath the gums and form pockets around the teeth. As the bacteria infiltrate these pockets, they begin to erode the small fibers that anchor the gum tissue to the bone, leading to inflammation and bleeding. These symptoms are often the first sign of gum disease, so be sure to look out for bleeding gums after brushing.

If not addressed, gingivitis will progress into periodontitis, which damages your underlying jawbone structure. This can cause teeth to loosen and, in severe cases, fall out! If you’re noticing signs of gingivitis or periodontitis, it’s essential to be proactive and consult a dentist.

Regular dental visits at Brent Bradford, DDS, are key to preventing and treating gum disease effectively.

Stop The Infection Before it Starts in Syracuse, NY!

Persistent issues like bleeding or sore gums are not normal. If you’re experiencing these problems, that may be a sign of periodontal disease! This inflammatory infection progresses over time without intervention, eventually deteriorating your jawbone underneath the gums. But with proper oral hygiene and routine dental visits, you can stop the spread of infection or prevent periodontitis from ever occurring.

Visit Dr. Bradford at Brent Bradford, DDS, for routine dental care and prompt periodontal treatment in case of infection.

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