Did you know that severe gum disease, or periodontitis, is the leading cause of adult tooth loss in the United States? It is also one of the most highly preventable chronic dental diseases, often requiring little more than consistently good hygiene and regular preventive dental care to keep at bay. Nevertheless, gum disease affects over 80% of the adult population, and while it can be cured in its earliest stages, gum disease is irreversible when it advances enough. Because of the excessive damage it can cause to the gums and jawbone structure that support your teeth, successfully managing disease will be the only way to preserve the rest of your smile.

How to Prevent It First

There are several stages to gum disease, and the first is the mildest. Known as gingivitis, the beginning of gum disease is caused by excessive oral bacteria gathering along your gum line. This leads to an infection in your gums, which results in rampant inflammation and the gradual separation of your gums from your teeth. By brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing at least once, combined with routine checkups and cleanings with your dentist, you can largely prevent gingivitis from forming. If it does develop, then your dentist may be able to reverse it with periodontal cleaning and maintenance before it develops into more severe gum disease.

If Gum Disease Becomes Severe

If gingivitis is not treated in time, it can become incurable and mature into severe periodontitis if not properly managed. Your dentist or periodontal specialist can remove the excessive bacteria and infected periodontal tissues, but keeping gum disease at bay will require regular periodontal maintenance in addition to general checkups and cleanings. Otherwise, you may lose one or more teeth to the disease and need an appropriate prosthesis to replace them, on top of ongoing gum disease management.

Learn More About Treating or Preventing Gum Disease

Gum disease is highly preventable, and if caught early, often reversible. However, at a certain point, it can become incurable, making it a lifelong threat to your oral health. To learn more, schedule a consultation with your dentist calling Dr. Newman’s office today at 520-296-5439. We’re conveniently located inside the Grant Road Professional Plaza in Tucson, AZ, and proudly welcome the residents of all surrounding communities.