Gum Disease

Don't delay treatment to prevent gum disease

Gum disease is a serious infection, attacking the soft tissue around the tooth and destroying the bone that supports the tooth. It's also known as periodontitis. The infection begins as plaque, which is an opaque film on teeth that hardens to form tartar. As tartar accumulates, it becomes a host for bacteria that attacks the soft tissue at the base of the teeth.

An early stage of gum disease is gingivitis. If left untreated, gingivitis can develop into periodontitis. Early warning signs that a patient may have gingivitis are bleeding gums and bad breath. The disease advances silently and often without pain.

Tooth loss is an obvious indicator of a serious gum infection. Scientific research has shown links to gum disease and stroke, heart disease, and diabetes. Pregnant women can be affected by gum disease because the body's entire immune system is weakened.

Call the staff at Dentist of Lake Mary immediately at (407) 413-9000 to schedule a consultation if you think you have gum disease.