What You Should Know About Gum Disease Treatment
Naturally, your body is not supposed to bleed unless injured. Therefore, if you see some blood when brushing your teeth, then that’s a signal that something is wrong. Bleeding gums is a sign that you have gum disease, which needs to be addressed.
Gum disease is the inflammation of tissues adjacent to the teeth, usually due to poor oral hygiene. Also known as gingivitis, gum disease is caused by bacterial infection. If left untreated, it transforms into a more dangerous condition called periodontitis. Gum disease (gingivitis and periodontitis) account ACCOUNTS for the most instances of teeth lost in America.
How Does Gingivitis Occur?
Bacteria can build up around your teeth. This condition causes your gums to swell and bleed easily, especially when you brush your teeth. At this point, you may get some gum irritation, but your teeth should still be firmly planted in their sockets.
Symptoms
- Red, inflamed gums
Your gums become swollen and turn red. They may also feel tender and somewhat painful. Bleeding may occur if you try to floss or brush your teeth.
- Bad breath
Your mouth is a hub for bacteria. The excellent conditions (warm and wet) make it ideal for bacteria. These bacteria release toxins that irritate your teeth and gums. Furthermore, these harmful toxins have a foul odor that can result in very bad breath.
- Receding gums
When your gums start shrinking, it’s a result of the gums separating from the tooth. It happens when bones begin to break down. This condition exposes the delicate part of your tooth and the supporting bone, too.
- Sensitive teeth
If you ever close your eyes and clench your fist after sipping a glass of cold water, then that may be a symptom of gum disease. Once the gums shrink, they expose the delicate part of the teeth, resulting in sensitive teeth.
Dental Gum Treatment
For gum disease treatment, there are three methods used to deep clean your teeth. They do not require surgery, and they target plaque and tarter to curb gum irritation. These three methods are:
● Root planing – smooths rough sections and eliminates tartar and plaque from the root.
● Scaling – only eliminates tartar from below and above the gum line.
● Lasers – remove tartar from the teeth.
Here are some additional ways to treat gum disease:
● Antiseptic mouthwash.
● Antibiotic microspheres – slotted in deeper pockets after scaling.
● Timed-release antiseptic chips – usually inserted in pockets after scaling.
● Oral antibiotics – targets persistent gum swelling.
● Flap surgery – a procedure where the gum is lifted, and tartar and plaque are removed from deeper pockets.
● Bone and tissue graft – conducted when the teeth and jaw cannot heal by themselves.
Preventing gum disease
Averting gum disease is very easy. You only have to maintain proper oral hygiene. Here are some tips on keeping your teeth and gums healthy:
● Brush your teeth regularly – at least three times a day with fluoride toothpaste to neutralize any bacteria stuck in your gums.
● Floss your teeth – roughly two times per day.
● Rinse with anti-gingivitis mouthwash to kill bacteria that give rise to plaque.
● Eating a balanced diet also plays a huge role in reaching and upholding good oral health.
● Regular visits to the dentist for professional cleaning (at least twice per year).
Conditions Related to Gum Disease
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, if you are suffering from gum disease, you are at a higher risk of contracting the following diseases:
● Stroke
● Heart disease
● Diabetes
● Lung disease
Although gum disease is related to these diseases, it has not been determined to cause any of them.
Summary
Patients can save a lot of time and money by caring for their teeth properly. Gum disease can be a nightmare, so it’s best to maintain optimal oral hygiene to avoid it. Visiting the dentist for regular checkups is cheaper and less time-consuming than seeking gum treatment.
If you reside in or around York Harbor, ME, you can visit York Dental Group for gum disease treatment near you.