While most Americans are aware of gum disease, very few are aware of how serious an impact it can have on their health. 48% of Americans over the age of 30 have some degree of gum disease and linked it to a number of other health issues including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, respiratory diseases and cancer.

1. The Dangers of Gum Disease
While most Americans are aware of gum (periodontal) disease, very few are aware of how serious an impact it can have
on their health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, roughly 48% of Americans over the age of
30 have some degree of gum disease. In addition, recent studies have linked it to a number of other health issues
including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, respiratory diseases and cancer. The results of these new
findings are beginning to elevate gum disease as a public health concern.
What is gum disease?
Gum disease is an infection of the gums and surrounding tissues that hold teeth in place. There are two forms of gum
disease: gingivitis, a mild form that is reversible with good oral hygiene, and periodontitis, a more severe form that
damages the soft tissues and bone that support teeth.
In its early stages, gum disease is usually painless and many people are not aware that they have it, while in more
advanced cases, gum disease can cause sore gums and pain when chewing. Symptoms can include:
 Red, swollen, inflamed or bleeding gums
 Bad breath
 Abscesses or ulcers
 Rotting or loosening teeth
 Receding gums and loss of supportive bone.
What causes gum disease?

2. Bacteria in the mouth, along with mucus and other particles, form a sticky, colorless film known as plaque to grow on
teeth. When plaque is not removed by regular brushing and flossing, it can harden to form tartar, which can then only
be removed by a dental professional. The longer plaque and tartar remain on the teeth the more harm they cause.
Eventually the bacteria in plaque and tartar can cause inflammation of the gums known as gingivitis. While gingivitis can
be reversed through regular brushing, flossing and professional cleanings if left untreated it can lead to periodontitis.
Periodontitis causes the gums to pull away from the teeth to form pockets, due to the chronic infection around the
teeth. The body’s immune system, in attempting to fight these pockets of infection, can break down the bone and
connective tissue that hold teeth in place. If not treated this process can destroy the bones, gums and tissues that
support the teeth, causing them to become loose or even fall out.
How to prevent gum disease?
Dental professionals recommend the following steps to help prevent gum disease:
 Brush - Brushing your teeth and tongue thoroughly at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste can greatly
reduce or eliminate the buildup of plaque.
 Floss - Flossing at least once a day will help to remove debris from between teeth that brushing alone might
miss. If you are unable to floss, consider using a waterpik instead.
 Mouthwash - Rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash, such as Listerine, or a fluoride or anti-plaque mouthwash
reduces the bacteria in your mouth, which can lead to plaque.
 Visit your dentist - Visiting your dentist on a regular basis is one of the best ways to make sure that your teeth
and gums stay healthy.
The team at Rocky Mountain Dental Partners believes a great smile is priceless and everyone deserves the look
and feel that a great smile can bring. With locations in Aurora, Centennial, and Cherry Creek Rocky Mountain
Dental Partners are available to answer your questions about gum disease and help you achieve the smile you
always wanted. For more information on Rocky Mountain Dental Partners, please call 720-238-2977 or visit
http://www.dentistsindenver.com.