Periodontal disease—also known simply as gum disease—occurs when bad bacteria settles onto teeth at the gum line. This bacteria attacks the gum tissues that hold the teeth in place. Over time, the gums will eventually be too weak to hold the teeth, which can cause them to fall out. Other serious conditions can result from gum disease, as well. Once the bacteria finds its way into your blood system, it can travel to any organ and tissue in your body, including your heart.
If you’ve never been faced with trying to figure out how to pay for the cost of dental implants, you might find yourself in a crash course if you don’t see your dentist on a regular basis. Here’s why:
How Plaque Turns into Tartar
It all begins with the sticky whitish substance your mouth produces naturally throughout the day, particularly after you eat. This substance likes to hang out on your teeth, particularly near the gum line. Thorough, regular brushing and flossing can get rid of a lot of plaque, but if it’s left to its own devices for too long, it turns into tartar.
Tartar is a tough, calcified deposit that sits on the teeth, causing decay to the enamel and surrounding gum lines. Once tartar’s begun to form, it takes a dental professional to remove the stubborn substance. The longer it sticks around, the more susceptible your gums are to being attacked. Without the protection of healthy gums, your mouth and body could be exposed to any number of issues.
Identifying the Signs of Gum Disease
During your semi-annual cleanings, your dentist will look for:
- Bleeding gums
- Redness or swelling
- Periodontal abscesses
- Loose teeth
Avoiding the high cost of dental implants is something that can typically be avoided if you see your dentist for professional teeth cleanings every six months. Your dentist will not only remove the plaque and tarter that cause gum disease, but he or she will also help you understand how to improve your oral health habits to help prevent disease in the future.
Whether you’ve found yourself in a position where you currently need dental implants, or you’re ready to put your oral health on the road to success, Dre Nathalie Kadoch and her team at Centre Dentaire in LaSalle are here to help.
Book your consultation online, or simply call (5147) 367-0300 to speak with someone on our friendly staff.