Gum disease is primarily the result of your oral hygiene routine failing to remove residual food particles and plaque from your teeth and gumline. It is also the result of missing your six month checkups. In time, plaque and food particles can harden into bacterial-rich tartar, which promotes gum disease inflammation. Things like tobacco use, frequent alcohol consumption, and diabetes can increase your chances of developing the disease.

The earliest stage of gum disease is known as gingivitis. Initial symptoms include red or inflamed gums that bleed easily during brushing and flossing. It also includes problems with chronic bad breath. This level of infection can often be remedied by a thorough cleaning procedure with your dentist, Dr. Powell. You can then prevent future infections with consistent improvements in your daily oral hygiene routine.

Without timely treatment, gingivitis can exacerbate into the more advanced form of gum disease known as periodontitis. This level of infection in the gum tissues can cause your gums to recede from the base of your teeth. This enables pockets of infection to form deep within the gum tissues. In time, it can even result in the loss of bone structure deep down where your teeth anchor in the sockets.

Periodontitis can also result in systemic inflammation, which can tax your immune system. New and continuing research has found that this can be related to other medical conditions, including diabetes, heart disease and certain types of cancer. While gum disease cannot cause these conditions, it does have a relationship with them that can limit your treatment options.

If you are concerned about the health of your gums or if you have questions about gum disease in West Jordan, UT, you should call West Jordan Dental Office to schedule an appointment at Jordan Landing Smiles.