Within every single mouth are countless bacteria that can be both useful to the body as well as harmful. Although some of this bacteria is used to aid in necessary functions such as the production of saliva and digestion, an excessive amount of harmful bacteria can lead to one very serious oral health issue: gum disease. This disease happens to a huge percentage of the population, and when left untreated, individuals that are currently struggling with gingivitis or advanced periodontitis will be at a much higher danger of tooth loss.

When some individuals consider their own oral health, they are only thinking about the state of their teeth. While teeth are some of the most important parts of the body, the gums are connected to one's overall health and well-being on levels that many never were thought possible. Those with gingivitis or periodontitis will have a much higher risk at losing permanent teeth as well as being diagnosed with cardiovascular disease, dementia, and high blood pressure.

Almost all of the food that is consumed throughout the years will leave a thin, slick material known as plaque in the mouth. Brushing and flossing several times a day are very important as it will remove a vast majority of this plaque. Regular dental checkups that include professional teeth cleaning services are another manner in which plaque can be removed from the mouth. When these substances remain untouched however, they will produce acids and bacteria that will attack the gums and ultimately lead to periodontal disease.

Those that have a weakened immune system, bad oral hygiene habits, or are undergoing changes to their hormones will be at a much higher risk of this pervasive and destructive disease. In its initial stage, gingivitis is characterized by side effects such as bleeding and swelling on the gums. During this period, dentists will often be able to treat and reverse the condition with a complete cleaning of the teeth and gums as well as specialty toothpastes and mouthwashes.

When gingivitis is left untreated, it will gradually develop into full periodontitis. This is the final stage of periodontal disease and it can cause irreversible damage to the teeth and gums. Over time, the gums will begin to pull away from the teeth while the bacteria will attack the jaws as well as the roots of the teeth. This can result in the loss of one or more permanent teeth when not treated by a dental specialist.

Periodontal disease is an very common condition, however it is one that can be prevented or quickly treated when patients head into their local dental office. This is why all those that are currently experiencing pain or bleeding in their mouth should contact an experienced dentist today.

You can visit BestBeverlyHillsDentist.com, Beverly Hills dental center to learn more about periodontal disease. Our Beverly Hills periodontist offers treatments for gum disease in its various stages.