Periodontal Care Eagle Mountain UTAre you brushing and flossing regularly? You may think that's all you need to do to keep your gums healthy, but you could be at risk for gum disease without even realizing it. Ranches Family Dental is here to help you keep your smile healthy and beautiful, to tell you what puts you at risk for gum disease and how to protect yourself. What is Gum Disease?Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a bacterial infection that affects the gums and tissues surrounding the teeth. It's one of the most common dental problems in the United States, affecting more than half of all adults over 30. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to periodontitis - a serious gum infection which leads to tooth loss, bone damage, and even heart problems. What Causes Gum Disease?Gum disease is caused by plaque buildup on your teeth. Bacteria in the mouth break down food particles left behind after eating into acids that irritate gums over time, creating pockets between the teeth where plaque can quickly accumulate. If you don't brush or floss regularly enough to remove this plaque, it will harden into tartar (also known as calculus). Tartar makes it easier for bacteria growing underneath the surface of your gums to enter your bloodstream through inflamed tissue surrounding your teeth. Once there, these bacteria have a greater chance of causing infection elsewhere in the body because they're able to avoid being attacked by white blood cells. Periodontal MaintenanceRegular periodontal maintenance at our clinic is necessary if you have been diagnosed with periodontal disease. Through these regular visits, usually every three to four months, our hygienist and dentist can perform scaling and root planing to ensure your gums and teeth stay healthy and clean. Risk Factors for Gum DiseaseSeveral factors can put you at risk of developing gum disease, including your age, genetic predisposition, and lifestyle. GeneticsIf your parents or siblings have had gum disease, you're at a greater risk of developing it yourself. In fact, research has shown that genetics account for more than 80 percent of the likelihood that an individual will develop periodontal disease. So if you suffer from a genetic predisposition to gum disease and haven't been diligent about practicing good oral hygiene, be sure to let us know so we can provide treatment as soon as possible. SmokingSmoking is one of the most decisive risk factors for gum disease because people who smoke often experience gingivitis - a form of early-stage gum inflammation caused by plaque buildup, and other symptoms even before they notice significant health problems such as heart disease or lung cancer. So if you're a smoker, be sure to see us for regular check-ups and cleanings to help keep your gums healthy. Autoimmune DiseasesPeople who suffer from autoimmune diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis are more likely to develop gum disease than individuals without these conditions. Talk with your doctor about the possible risks of gum disease if you've been diagnosed with an immune disorder. HormonesHormones can have a significant impact on periodontal health. Women are more likely to develop gum disease during pregnancy, menstruation, and menopause because hormonal changes make it easier for bacteria to attach to the gums. Pregnancy often causes women's gums to become swollen and inflamed - typical signs of early-stage gum disease, because their immune system is less efficient at fighting off bacterial infections due to increased progesterone levels in the body throughout that period. Poor Oral HygieneThe most common cause of gum disease is poor oral hygiene, which allows plaque and bacteria to accumulate on teeth over time. Brushing twice a day and flossing once a day may not be enough if you have bad habits such as crunching on hard candy or chewing tobacco products. See us for a professional cleaning at least every six months to keep your teeth and gums healthy. If you want to learn more about periodontal care, please contact us at (385) 374-0500 or visit our Ranches Family Dental clinic. |
 Eagle Mountain, UT 84005-5515 Tuesday: 9:00am - 5:00pm Wednesday: 8:00am - 5:00pm Thursday: 8:00am - 5:00pm Friday: 7:00am - 4:00pm Saturday: Closed Sunday: Closed |
