Oral Health
What causes gum disease?
Gum disease is the primary cause of tooth loss worldwide. It is caused by bacteria and plaque above and below the gum line which, if not fully removed, can enter the bloodstream and also cause gums to become inflamed. Left untreated it can eventually damage the bone and ligaments that support the teeth. More than this, over the last few years an increasing number of studies have found the effects of gum disease can reach far beyond the mouth, with researchers linking gum infections to a range of serious conditions including heart disease, diabetes, stroke, respiratory disease and premature births. This makes early diagnosis and treatment more important than ever. The majority of adults have some form of gum disease but many are unaware they have a problem as the symptoms are not immediately obvious. The good news is, early detection can help reverse some of the effects of gum disease and reduce the associated health risks.