Gum disease starts with inflammation of the gums called gingivitis, causing them to swell, bleed, and take on a fiery red color. If left untreated, it can lead to a worse infection called periodontitis, which can cause bad breath, tooth loss, and erosion of the jawbone. While your dentist is well-equipped to stop gum disease in its tracks and teach you ways to avoid it in the future, knowing a little bit more about it now might help you decide to take some appropriate precautions. In the spirit of Gum Care Month this September, here are some interesting facts about periodontitis so that you can better protect your smile from its negative consequences.
(more…)