Plaque buildup and residual food particles that collect on your teeth near the gumline can gradually start to harden into tartar. This bacterial substance greatly increases your chances of developing gum inflammation and periodontal health problems.
These needless conditions have become surprisingly common. In fact, The American Dental Association has estimated that nearly a third Americans over 30 years of age have some form or gum disease.
This typically starts out at the gum inflammation condition known as gingivitis, which can cause your gums to appear inflamed, and bleed easily from brushing and flossing. It might also cause chronic bad breath.
Without treatment at Dr. Mark Berard’s dental office, gingivitis can gradually develop into the more dangerous form of gum disease known as periodontitis. This severe infection of the periodontal tissues can cause your gums to recede from the base of your teeth.
As pockets of infection start to develop deep within your periodontal tissues it can start to affect the roots of your teeth. This could cause a loss of bone structure in your mouth and lead to the loss of multiple teeth.
As time goes on the severe periodontal infection of periodontitis can also lead to systemic inflammation complications that tax your immune system. This can have an impact on other medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and increased risk of stroke.
If you live in the Holland, Michigan, area and you have periodontal health concerns, you should call 616-392-2853 to schedule an oral health exam at Mark D. Berard, DDS.