If your dentist has diagnosed you with gum disease, you should seek treatment right away. If you do not address this problem quickly, it can become increasingly more serious. The faster you identify this condition, the more likely you are to treat it effectively. With the right intervention at the right time, you can reverse its effects. However, if it continues to develop, the consequences will be irreversible.
At its early stages, this condition is called gingivitis. This is inflammation of the gums as a result of bacteria-causing plaque. Gums will bleed with this condition, usually during brushing but sometimes while the individual eats. Gingivitis can progress to periodontal disease. At this point, the gums begin to pull away from the teeth and form pockets. Infection can then grow in these spaces, affecting other systems of the body.
A person will usually know they have gum disease by recognizing various clues. Along with inflammation and bleeding, there may be redness in the gums. People with periodontal disease often have bad breath because of the bacteria, which release toxins. Gums will also shrink, and the teeth can become sensitive. Another sign of the condition is that the teeth may become loose or shift.
It is critical to treat gum disease before it turns into periodontitis. Periodontal disease is not reversible, but gingivitis is. The dentist will first start by thoroughly cleaning the gums. Using dental tools, the dentist or hygienist will scrape away plaque and tartar from below the gumline. The dentist may also do something called root planning, which is the smoothing of the surfaces of the tooth roots.
Patients with gingivitis should also be more diligent about brushing and flossing. Brushing at least twice a day and flossing daily can help turn back this condition. People of all ages should also visit the dentist every six months. If the patient shows signs of gum disease, more frequent visits may be necessary.
While periodontal disease is not curable, it is controllable. Other treatments can help with this along with reversing gingivitis. These include antibiotics, which can kill the bacteria. This medication can come in pill or gel form. The dentist may even choose to do a gum graft or flap surgery.
Gum disease can have severe consequences. If a dentist does not begin to treat it, the patient could suffer bone loss and tooth loss. The bacteria can get into the bloodstream and move throughout the body. People with this condition can have cardiovascular troubles. Stroked and heart attacks are not uncommon in patients with periodontal disease.
Tooth decay is not the only problem you should worry about when it comes to your oral health. Gum disease can be a concern for your teeth and for other areas of your body. Talk to your dentist today about treating this condition. Do something about it before it is too late to cure.
Request an appointment here: https://www.trilliumdental.us or call Trillium Dental at (614) 343-0227 for an appointment in our Columbus office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Gum Disease in Columbus, OH.
Gum disease is a common oral health issue that dentists treat. You may focus more on cavity prevention, but gum issues can be just as critical to your wellness. Putting off treatment can cause more serious issues. You should first recognize the signs and symptoms of this condition and then seek your dentist’s help right…
Flossing is an important component of preventive dentistry. Flossing must always accompany daily brushing. This may seem insignificant. After all, it involves running a line of floss through the thin gaps of your teeth. Even so, flossing benefits your teeth. If you want to know how valuable flossing is for preventive dentistry, here are the…
Preventive dentistry can support your efforts to keep your mouth healthy, including practicing good oral hygiene, eating a balanced diet, and avoiding things that can damage your teeth and gums. Good oral hygiene goes a long way in helping to prevent common dental issues, such as tooth decay and gum disease, but sometimes it is…
The role of preventative dentistry is to minimize the risk of future dental issues in patients. Read on to learn some tips that encourage the prevention of oral issues. If you have experienced and treated dental issues in the past, you will attest that it is better to prevent them from happening in the first…
Considering choosing a general dentist to perform your smile makeover? Smart. Many people think making over their smile will look for a cosmetic dentist to complete their makeover, not understanding that some general dentists are an option, too. Making a consultation appointment is the first step to determining which smile makeover options a general dentist…
When you need dental bridges, your dentist will work with an oral surgeon to find the best solution for your problem. There are a few things that you can do in preparation for this procedure. This blog post outlines some of the steps you should take before going in for dental bridges surgery.Make a list…