If you brush and floss your teeth every day, and yet still develop gum disease, you may be inclined to wonder how these issues form in the first place. After all, the point of daily dental hygiene is to prevent these issues from arising, isn’t it? The answer is yes, but even the most diligent hygiene routine can let a few details slip past your attention. Considering the fact that over 80% of adults under age 60 have gum disease to some extent, this seems to happen quite often. To help you understand how gum disease can sometimes slip past the cracks in your dental defense, Astoria dentist, Dr. Jeffrey Leibowitz explores how the disease begins in the first place.
An Irritating Presence
Like tooth decay, gum disease becomes a threat when oral bacteria gather and form dental plaque that sticks to your teeth and gums. Each of the over-600 different germs serves a purpose, many of which are harmless or essential to maintaining your mouth’s ecological balance. Others, however, can have devastating effects on your oral health, such as setting the stage for gum disease.
The germ, Porphyromonas gingivalis, which contributes to plaque formation, also incites inflammation in your soft gingival (gum) tissue. The presence of bacteria can irritate your gums and cause them to separate slightly from your teeth, creating pockets where more microbes can gather and multiply, safe from the reach of your toothbrush. As P. gingivalisgains in numbers, the resulting inflammation can induce oral bone destruction in the form of gum disease.
Continued Damage of P. Gingivalis
The oral-systemic connection, which describes the relationship between your oral health and systemic wellbeing, has been the subject of myriad research across the globe. Oral bacteria like P. gingivalisand the presence of oral diseases have been linked to increased risks for a variety of chronic inflammatory diseases, including heart disease, respiratory infections, and certain forms of dementia. Bleeding and diseased oral tissues can offer a conduit for oral pathogens to enter your blood stream, and systemic illnesses can arise from the resulting inflammation in other areas of your body.
Excellent Oral Health in Astoria
After its initial stage, called gingivitis, gum disease can no longer be reversed or cured. It can, however, be treated to avoid or stop the damage it can cause your teeth and their supporting structures. Help protect yourself from advancing gum disease by attending your dental checkup and cleaning at least once every six months, or more often if recommended. To learn more about protecting your smile, or to schedule a dental consultation, contact Dr. Leibowitz by calling our Queens dental office at (718) 728-8320. We proudly serve patients from Astoria, Queens, Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the surrounding communities.
