Toluca Lake Dentist Explains How Periodontal Disease and Cavities Can Go Hand in Hand

Written by Dr. McKay on May 20, 2014

There are many different ways that a patient’s smile can become compromised and damaged. The truth is that if one component of your oral health is unhealthy, it will likely affect other parts of your smile. Today our Toluca Lake dentists are exploring how cavities and gum disease can intensify each other.


Your gum tissue is a critical, foundational piece of your smile. Your teeth are anchored into your jawbone by your connective tissues and gums.


Oral bacteria build up in a patient’s mouth and attack both the teeth and the gum tissue. As oral bacteria multiply, they produce harmful acids, which wear down the dental and tissue structures.


A dental cavity is a spot in the dental enamel that has been worn away and infected by oral bacteria. Once the oral bacteria have worn through the top dental enamel layer, it proceeds through the inner layers of the tooth, causing more and more problems. Ultimately this can lead to severe pain, tooth loss, and even jawbone deterioration. And, eventually, a dental cavity can infect gum tissue.


When gum tissue becomes diseased, it is likely to swell, become red and sensitive, and bleed when disturbed. Severe gum disease also spreads to the mouth’s connective tissues, which leads to tooth loss.


As you can see, gum disease and dental decay can form a harmful cycle of destruction in the mouth. In order to stop this unfortunate series of events, you need intervention from a dental professional. Our dental team can help you develop a high-quality, effective dental plan that will restore your oral health and help you maintain it for years.


Our Toluca Lake dentist office is here to give you any more information that you may need about all of your dentistry options. We look forward to speaking with you soon!