Periodontal Disease (Gum Disease)

Persistent bad breath: Bad breath that continues even after brushing and flossing.
Loose teeth: As the bone supporting the teeth deteriorates, teeth may become loose.
Changes in bite: Shifting teeth can alter the way your teeth come together when you bite.
Sensitive teeth: Increased sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks.

Practice good oral hygiene: Brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and floss daily.
Regular dental check-ups: Schedule regular dental check-ups and cleanings to remove plaque and tartar buildup.
Avoid smoking: Smoking weakens the immune system and makes it harder for the body to fight infection.
Manage underlying health conditions: Conditions like diabetes and certain autoimmune diseases can increase the risk of gum disease.
Limit sugary foods and drinks: Sugary foods and drinks can contribute to plaque buildup.

Plaque Buildup: Inadequate brushing and flossing allows plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, to accumulate on teeth and gums.
Tartar Formation: If plaque is not removed, it can harden into tartar, which can only be removed by a dental professional.

Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations, especially during pregnancy and menopause, can make gums more susceptible to inflammation.
Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes and HIV, can weaken the immune system and increase the risk of gum disease.
Medications: Some medications, such as those used to treat high blood pressure and seizures, can cause dry mouth, which can contribute to gum disease.

Smoking and Tobacco Use: Smoking and chewing tobacco can irritate the gums and weaken the immune system, making it harder to fight infection.
Poor Diet: A diet high in sugar and processed foods can contribute to plaque buildup and gum disease.
Stress: Stress can weaken the immune system and make it harder for the body to fight infection.

Plaque Buildup: Inadequate brushing and flossing allows plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, to accumulate on teeth and gums.
Tartar Formation: If plaque is not removed, it can harden into tartar, which can only be removed by a dental professional.
Systemic Factors:
- Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations, especially during pregnancy and menopause, can make gums more susceptible to inflammation.
- Medical Conditions: Conditions like diabetes and HIV can weaken the immune system and increase the risk of gum disease.
- Medications: Some medications, including those for high blood pressure and seizures, can cause dry mouth and raise the risk of gum disease.
Lifestyle Factors:
- Smoking and Tobacco Use: Smoking and chewing tobacco can irritate the gums and reduce the body’s ability to fight infection.
- Poor Diet: A diet high in sugar and processed foods promotes plaque buildup and gum inflammation.
- Stress: Stress can compromise immune function, making it harder to combat oral infections.

Plaque Buildup: Inadequate brushing and flossing allows plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, to accumulate on teeth and gums.
Tartar Formation: If plaque is not removed, it can harden into tartar, which can only be removed by a dental professional.
Systemic Factors:
- Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations, especially during pregnancy and menopause, can make gums more susceptible to inflammation.
- Medical Conditions: Conditions like diabetes and HIV can weaken the immune system and increase the risk of gum disease.
- Medications: Some medications, including those for high blood pressure and seizures, can cause dry mouth and raise the risk of gum disease.
Lifestyle Factors:
- Smoking and Tobacco Use: Smoking and chewing tobacco can irritate the gums and reduce the body’s ability to fight infection.
- Poor Diet: A diet high in sugar and processed foods promotes plaque buildup and gum inflammation.
- Stress: Stress can compromise immune function, making it harder to combat oral infections.

Deepening Pockets Around Teeth: These pockets harbor bacteria and make it difficult to clean effectively.
Loose Teeth: As the bone supporting the teeth deteriorates, teeth may become loose and eventually fall out.
Changes in Bite: Tooth loss can affect your bite and make chewing difficult.
New Spaces Between Teeth: As gum tissue recedes, gaps may appear between teeth.

Deepening Pockets Around Teeth: These pockets harbor bacteria and make it difficult to clean effectively.
Loose Teeth: As the bone supporting the teeth deteriorates, teeth may become loose and eventually fall out.
Changes in Bite: Tooth loss can affect your bite and make chewing difficult.
New Spaces Between Teeth: As gum tissue recedes, gaps may appear between teeth.