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 at Riverside Dental Group. To learn more, read on for a gum disease overview.

Periodontal Disease

Tooth loss is enough to worry about, but severe gum disease can also damage your jawbone (aveolar bone). Gingival tissues blanket your jaw and line the inside of your cheeks, lips, and roof of your mouth. When these tissues become infected, swollen, and bleeding, this can be a gateway for oral bacteria to enter your bloodstream.  The medical profession calls this an oral-systemic connection. Gum disease has been linked by compelling scientific research to conditions such as heart disease, strokes, diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease.

Avoiding Gum Disease

Plaque buildup is bound to happen at some point, even when you have excellent oral hygiene. When plaque hardens into tartar after 48 hours of clinging to your teeth and collecting at your gumline) the bacterial-based substance inflames, irritates, and causes gums to recede. Brushing and flossing can only go so far in maintaining your healthy smile. If you want to avoid gum disease and cavities, professional removal of tartar buildup needs to be done by a dental hygienist at your biannual checkups. Your Riverside dentists will also do a thorough examination at these appointments, which will help early signs of periodontal disease that can be treated. This may include procedures such as scaling and root planning, which will give a much deeper cleaning below your gumline.

Dental Checkups from your Riverside Dentists

Are you in need of a dental checkup? Consult with your Riverside dentists by calling our 92504 dentist office at (951) 689-5031. We offer comprehensive dentistry to patients of all ages in Riverside and surrounding areas.