Gum Disease: The Main Facts Each Person Should Know
Protecting your smile takes more effort than simply ensuring that your teeth are bright and well-aligned. Your gums are a vital aspect of your dental health, as well as your general health. Because most patients may believe their gums are healthy, they are usually surprised if they discover bad news. Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is a harmful condition that impacts the gums that surround a patient's teeth. The disease's symptoms often occur without pain. Numerous studies have discovered an association that relates periodontal disease and different health issues, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, strokes, and specific cancers, in addition to tooth loss.
In spite of this, we have good news: Gum disease can be evaded with comprehensive oral care. The simplest method to battle periodontal disease is to seek out oral care from skilled dental practitioners, like the dentists at MINT orthodontics. Our doctors have extensive know-how and expertise in the area of periodontal dentistry to identify various concerns and manage gum disease.
THE BASIC POINTS YOU MUST UNDERSTAND ABOUT GUM DISEASE
At times called gum disease, periodontal disease is characterized as an infection of the gum tissue. The gumline is the oral tissue that works to keep your teeth in their appropriate placements. Inadequate oral health could lead a fuzzy-feeling bacteria known as plaque to attach itself to and harden around the gum tissue. Even though brushing and flossing may remove a portion of the problem, plaque that's not eradicated will develop into tartar and settle onto your enamel. Only a professional cleaning provided by a dentist or dental assistant can efficiently eliminate tartar.
While accumulating on the enamel, tartar and food particles operate alongside one another to bring about a moderate form of periodontal disease called gingivitis. Gingivitis forms when plaque builds up on the enamel and prompts the nearby gums to become inflamed. Bacteria produces toxins that irritate the gums, making them red and puffy and, typically, leading to bleeding.
As gum disease evolves without management, more severe levels of periodontal disease could lead to sore and bleeding gums, uncomfortable chewing, and, possibly, missing teeth. That’s why it's essential to detect and treat periodontal disease before the inflammation spreads around your mouth.
GUM DISEASE SYMPTOMS TO KNOW
Strong gums are taut, pink, and fit snugly around your teeth. The first signs of periodontal disease are often difficult to identify by the average patient. It is important to set up routine sessions with the dental professionals at MINT orthodontics. They can determine the initial markers of gum disease during regular cleanings and dental checkups. Signs of unhealthy gums include swelling, discoloration, sensitivity, bleeding, separation from the tooth, extra spaces between your teeth, halitosis, loose teeth, difficulty chewing, and changes in your alignment.
PEOPLE WITH GUM DISEASE COULD BENEFIT FROM A NUMBER OF SURGICAL TREATMENT OPTIONS
When individuals reach the later phases of gum disease, they may need surgical treatments. Our dental practitioners in Dallas, TX can perform a number of advanced gum therapies, namely gum grafting, gingival flap surgery, and others.
Periodontal disease typically forces the gumline to deteriorate, which will expose part of the roots of the teeth. To improve the gums, our team may offer a gum grafting treatment. Typically, your own connective tissue is used to carry out this surgery. The grafted tissue will be extracted from the upper part of your mouth and reattached to your gumline, which will address the tooth root exposure.
Gum surgery can help individuals in Dallas, TX who have progressive periodontitis. Depending on the severity of your condition, there are three techniques we may implement: gingival flap surgery, gingivectomy, and gingivoplasty. Gingival flap surgery moves the gums away from the tooth to gain access to the roots and enable our dental practitioner to assess your condition. After this, we will do a deep cleaning to eliminate tartar and any inflamed tissue. The loose gum tissue will then be readjusted and stitched back into the correct location. Meanwhile, a gingivectomy removes and reshapes a section of the significantly diseased tissue. This procedure is commonly done for those whose condition has progressed. Finally, a gingivoplasty is, at times, an aesthetic dental procedure that improves and reshapes the surrounding tissues when your periodontal disease has been managed to create a more aesthetic look.
PREVENT GUM DISEASE WITH THESE EASY PRACTICES
The surest way to evade periodontal disease is to learn an excellent oral care regimen. Following this convenient checklist may help ensure that your unique smile lasts a long time:
Flossing is necessary for excellent oral wellness.
Flossing your teeth a minimum of once a day will help clear away harmful bacteria that may be packed in between your teeth. Cleaning your teeth is an essential part of your oral wellness routine. Nonetheless doing so every day still might not really clean every crevice.
Adults and children should clean their teeth a minimum of twice daily.
People who clean their teeth after eating help to eradicate plaque and bacteria packed in between their gums and teeth. It's just as essential not to disregard the tongue. Gently utilize your toothbrush to scrub your tongue, as this could get rid of excess bacteria.
Make use of toothpaste and mouthwash that have fluoride.
Many think it's difficult to learn which dental care products are the best. When browsing, choose a fluoride-containing toothpaste and mouth rinse. If implemented jointly, the two products can slow how long it takes for germs and tartar to thicken on the enamel.
Make it a goal to visit your dental practitioner two times each year.
Arrange checkups with your dentist twice annually for oral health evaluations and professional cleanings. Oral evaluations enable the dentists at MINT orthodontics to catch problems like periodontal disease when they first appear. To help those with dental fears, our Dallas, TX office provides numerous sedation options to relax your nerves so you can receive your exams and professional cleanings without difficulty.
Give up tobacco products.
Those who use tobacco products (such as chewing, smoking, or vaping) are more likely to end up with periodontal disease and oral cancer. Tobacco usage negatively impacts the immune system, making it more challenging for your body to battle inflammation and heal afterward.
GUARD YOUR GUM TISSUE FROM POTENTIAL DANGER AND DETERIORATION
Preventive dental care is important in the fight against periodontal disease. Select a dental professional you trust, and make sure to pay a visit to their office two times a year for checkups and cleanings. At MINT orthodontics, our dentists are capable of preventing, detecting, and managing periodontal disease, as well as several other oral health concerns. Contact our staff today to arrange a session and begin your journey toward your best dental health.