What Is Gum Disease?

Curious about what gum disease is and how to prevent it?  Wasatch Pediatric Dentistry is here to help you understand gum disease and how to best protect your family from it.

Gum disease happens when bacterial growth in the mouth is not properly treated.  It can then begin to destruct the tissue surrounding the teeth and can result in tooth decay and tooth loss.

One of the signs that comes before gum disease is gum inflamation, also known as gingivitis.  Not all gum inflamation has to lead to gum disease!  Gingivitus is common, and most people will experience it at some point in their lives.  The symptoms are pretty mild and can be easy to disregard.  Early signs can be plaque build up, inflamed gums, and bleeding during flossing or tooth brushing.  

If your child is experiencing any of these symptoms it is important to take action so that gum inflamation doesn’t turn into gum disease.  Gum inflamation can be easily reversed or prevented by brushing your teeth, flossing regularly, and visiting your pediatric dentist every six months.  

When your child forgets or chooses not to brush and floss a film of bacteria called plaque starts to build up around the teeth.  This plaque will then release an acid that will attack the tooth, causing decay.  If left for long enough this plaque can harden and start to build up right along the gumline.  This makes it harder to brush along your gums and can result in gingivitus.  

Gum disease starts to happen when the inside layer of the gum pulls away from the teeth forming a pocket.  When food gets in these pockets they can become infected.  Your body’s immune system will begin to fight the bacteria.  The bacteria as well as the body’s response to fight the infection start to break down the bone surrounding your teeth.  The bone is what holds our teeth in place, so as this breaks down the tooth can begin to come loose and even fall out.  

In order to avoid tooth loss from gum disease it is important to make sure your kids are brushing and flossing regularly.  These simple steps can go a long way in making sure your child has good oral health.  

Another great way to protect your child from gum disease is to make sure they are seeing the pediatric dentist for regular checkups and cleanings.  If you are looking for a pediatric dentist in Cache County or the surrounding areas Wasatch Pediatric Dentistry is here for you!  

Schedule your next appointment today!