How Bacteria Contribute to Gum Problems

A horizontal photo of a young worried woman in checkered shirt suffering from strong toothache and touching her cheekWhen it comes to your smile, more often than not the biggest threat to your oral health includes dental decay. Taking a look even deeper, we see that this concern is caused by oral bacteria that have been left to wreak havoc on your natural structures, ultimately causing their destruction. Unfortunately, bacteria do not stop at decay. In fact, they can cause numerous problems, including the onset of periodontal disease. In today’s blog, your Conroe, TX dentist will explain the way that microorganisms can cause oral complications and what steps you might take to remedy the situation.

A Common Concern

Whether you are aware of it or not, periodontal disease is the most common oral health concern out there, affecting roughly 3 million adults in the U.S. every year. What’s more, most individuals are unable to seek treatment in a timely and efficient manner, as the earliest damage and side effects are not easily noticeable without a trained eye. Because of this, many who finally do seek treatment require much more extensive procedures due to the severity caused by consistent progression. To combat this, our team recommends attending a checkup and cleaning at least once every six months in order to give us the opportunity to spot minor concerns and address them before they turn major. For more information, reach out to our team.

Symptoms and Side Effects

Gum disease is typically brought on by harmful bacteria that have made their way below the surface of your gum line and latched on to the roots of your teeth. They are first attracted to the site by food particles that have become lodged between structures, which is why flossing is a necessary step in your preventive routine.

Below the surface, bacteria-laden plaque will begin to develop, causing complications and noticeable side effects. These include bleeding, swollen, or sensitive gums, teeth becoming loose or separating from the tissues that house them, and even teeth falling out altogether. If you suspect you are experiencing one or more of these symptoms, reach out to our team today.

Steps You Can Take

While restorative dentistry is helpful in preserving your smile and restoring function, preventive dentistry is the name of the game when it comes to your oral health. That being said, you can take certain steps to make sure that your smile is in tip-top shape. For instance, paying mind to brush and floss regularly can go a long way. Attending your examination and cleaning can help keep bacteria at bay, and paying mind to the negative effects of certain foods and beverages can help as well.

Learn More Today

For more information about the importance of preventive care or to schedule an appointment with our team, contact The Dental Centre of Conroe in Conroe, TX by calling 936-441-4600 today.