Can Periodontal Disease Run in the Family?
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Periodontal disease is a gum infection caused by the buildup of plaque on teeth and gums. When this harmful bacteria is left in periodontal pockets, it can deteriorate your jawbone and even cause tooth loss. To help protect your smile from gum disease, Dr. Matthew Ward at Bay City Dental Center provides gum disease treatment. This periodontal disease treatment can include deep cleanings for the teeth that helps to treat the early stages of gum disease in Bay City, MI. He also offers helpful information on how his patients can prevent developing gum disease.
Gum disease symptoms
When gum disease is impacting your oral health, you may experience these common gum disease symptoms, including:
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Bleeding when you brush or floss
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Chronic bad breath
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Red, swollen, or tender gums
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Tooth sensitivity
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Gum recession
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Teeth that feel loose
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Changes with your bite
When you suspect that you may have gum disease, it’s important to immediately schedule a dental exam with Dr. Ward at Bay City Dental Center.
Is periodontal disease genetic?
Dr. Ward often hears his patients say that their parents or siblings also have issues with their gums. This is because periodontal disease is directly influenced by heredity, so your genetic makeup does have the potential to make you more susceptible to periodontal disease or periodontitis. Aggressive periodontitis is a condition where the bone around different teeth deteriorates quickly.
Genetic risk factors for periodontal disease
Studies show that genetic factors may play a major role in periodontal disease cases. People who experience severe periodontal disease may have genetic factors that influence their interleukin-1, a cytokine immune factor that is involved in the body’s inflammatory response. This makes them 20 times more likely to develop these advanced stages of periodontal disease. Thankfully, at Bay City Dental Center, we offer gum disease treatments that can help patients with all stages of periodontal disease.
How to care for your teeth well at home
To ensure that your oral care is at its best, you need to remove all plaque or tartar from your teeth. Regular brushing at least twice a day for two full minutes is important. Use a gingivitis control toothpaste that offers 12-hour protection. Brush gently back and forth at the gumline, on the tongue, and at the hard-to-reach back teeth. Flossing daily helps remove leftover food particles or plaque that gets stuck between the teeth. Also, scheduling regular annual dental exams and teeth cleanings is an important part of ensuring that your oral health is at its best. It also helps Dr. Ward detect periodontal disease early when it’s reversible (at the gingivitis stage).
Learn more about periodontal disease treatment near me
While gum disease cannot always be cured, it can be managed with the help of Dr. Matthew Ward at Bay City Dental Center. We offer gum disease treatments that help patients in Saginaw, Midland, and Bay City, MI have the best possible oral health. When you’re experiencing any gum disease symptoms, schedule an appointment for a dental exam as soon as possible.