Millions of Americans have gum disease. If you suffer from red, tender, or bleeding gums, you may have this condition as well. Gum disease affects many people, and without appropriate treatment, the ramifications of it can be permanent. By knowing just how rampant, serious, yet preventable gum disease is, you can make more informed choices about avoiding and addressing it. If you suspect you have this problem, see a dentist in Chicago.
Gum Disease Happens to the Elderly
Many people assume that most dental problems affect either the pediatric or senior populations. Children may love candy, but individuals of all ages can suffer from tooth decay. Likewise, though elder individuals may have missing teeth and dentures, people young and old can be susceptible to poor gum health . Gum disease is not the result of older age. It happens because of plaque buildup and tissue inflammation that puts sufferers at risk for tooth loss.
Flossing Can’t Help Gum Disease
Your dentist tells you to floss daily for good reason. Brushing can get rid of food particles and bacteria lingering in tooth ridges and on tooth surfaces, but it cannot reach under the gumline and between teeth. It’s these locations that tend to suffer the most from plaque accumulation. When you floss, you can remove the bacteria, food, and plaque that could otherwise trigger the irritation of gums that may evolve into damaged gum fibers, bone loss, and missing teeth.
Gum Disease Isn’t a Serious Problem
Tooth decay is often considered a significant dental problem. Especially once a person suffers from a toothache, he may recognize the need for professional dental care. Yet even when gum tissue exhibits evident signs of disease such as recession, many people delay getting treatment for it. The longer that gum disease has the opportunity to progress, the greater the chance that a person will experience tooth loss. Once this complication of gum disease occurs, only dentures, bridges, or teeth implants can remedy the problem.
Don’t wait to get the gum disease treatment you need. Call University Associates in Dentistry at (312) 704-5511 to schedule a consultation. You can also visit our website for information on our services for gum disease and tooth loss.
