Are You Dealing with Gum Disease?
If you are dealing with gum disease, you can find some comfort in knowing you are not alone. Even though gum disease is easy to prevent, it is still common among many Americans. Many adults and even children develop gum disease, also known as periodontal disease or periodontitis, at some point in their lives. Periodontal disease can cause serious health problems, both in your mouth and the rest of your body. That’s why it’s crucial to see a gum specialist as soon as you notice any symptoms.
How Do You Get Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is usually preceded by gingivitis, which is a milder form of gum disease. It all starts when plaque forms in your mouth. Plaque forms a film on your teeth that is filled with bacteria. This bacteria can irritate and inflame your gums, causing gingivitis. You can remove plaque easily with simple oral hygiene. If not taken care of with brushing and flossing, the plaque hardens under your gumline and turns into tartar. Tartar is much more difficult to remove and will require a trip to the dentist.
If inflammation continues and bacteria is not removed, periodontal disease sets in. Pockets begin to form on your gums. These pockets fill with more plaque, tartar, and bacteria. If left for too long, these pockets allow bacteria to spread through your mouth and cause serious damage.
The Importance of Managing Gum Disease.
Taking care of your gums is important to your oral health and the health of the rest of your body. Infections in your gums can cause damage to your teeth and even the bones that support them. Infections and bacteria can also spread to the rest of your body and have an effect on your immune system. The buildup of plaque can be prevented by simple oral hygiene. Brushing your teeth twice a day removes plaque. Flossing every day keeps pockets of tartar, plaque, and bacteria from forming in your gums. And going to the dentist at least twice a year ensures your mouth stays clean and healthy.
How Do You Know You Have Gum Disease?
The symptoms of gum disease are easy to notice. The most common, and most well known, signs are bleeding and swollen gums. Your gums will also be tender to the touch. Gum disease also is a common cause of bad breath.
Other symptoms include:
- Pain when you chew
- Receding gums
- Loose teeth
If you notice any of these symptoms you should see a dentist as soon as possible. Your dentist or gum specialist will review your medical history, examine your mouth, and take X-rays to check for signs of infection.
How Do You Treat Gum Disease?
The most effective way to treat serious gum disease is by seeing a gum specialist. Even if you have a mild case, you will want to see a specialist in order to make sure it doesn’t get worse. The goal of treating periodontal disease is to make sure the pockets around your teeth are clean. We also want to prevent and rebuild any damage caused by bacteria. For some mild cases we can accomplish this without surgery. However, for more severe cases we will have to perform surgery in order to clean out your gums and restore any bone that has been damaged. Your gum specialist at PRECiDENT will let you know what treatment option is right for you based on their diagnosis.
We are Here to Heal and to Help.
There are many reasons why you may be putting off dealing with your gum infection. You may be embarrassed. You know you should be flossing better, but you just haven’t. And now you dread the lecture from your dentist. Or maybe you’re just nervous.
At PRECiDENT, we understand how you feel. But we also care about your health. We know that if you don’t treat gum disease right away it can lead to a number of other problems, including receding gums, damage to the bones in your mouth, and tooth loss. Untreated gum disease has even been linked to other serious conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and some cancers.
We value you and your health. We are here to simply treat your gum disease, no matter how bad it is. If you have noticed any symptoms of gum infection, we want you to give us a call and let us help you.