Dr. James Stewart is passionate about helping patients keep their natural teeth for life. Preventing or promptly treating tooth decay is one way to ensure good oral health, but did you know that the structures that support your teeth need just as much attention? Gum disease, also called periodontitis or periodontal disease, is the number one cause of adult tooth loss in the US, and your Livonia general dentist can help you avoid becoming part of this grim statistic.
What causes gum disease?
Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on your teeth. Regular brushing and flossing can remove this substance before it causes harm to the teeth and gums. However, patients who do not clean their teeth frequently or thoroughly enough leave plaque behind, which eventually hardens into a substance called tartar. Once this hard calculus forms, it cannot be removed with a toothbrush. Tartar along the gum line irritates the gum tissue, causing its connection to the teeth to loosen. When this happens, periodontal pockets form, and these spaces collect oral bacteria that irritate and inflame the gums. If periodontal disease goes untreated, the gums and underlying bone tissue will break down, causing teeth to loosen and fall out. (more…)