Gum Disease Gum disease is a type of infection in the tissue and the bones that surround and hold teeth in their place. In adults, tooth loss is caused by gum disease, which is generally caused by plaque, a sticky, colorless film. Plaque contains bacteria and toxins that can infect your teeth and gums if not removed by daily brushing. Gum diseases consist of two types: Gingivitis and Periodontitis. Gingivitis is the initial stage of gum disease, which is the inflammation of the tissues surrounding and holding your teeth. It can lead to red and swollen gums and tissue. Periodontitis is a severe form of gum disease, which starts spreading from your gums and damages the tissue and the bones that hold your teeth. Gingivitis usually leads up to periodontitis if left untreated. Brea Implant & Cosmetic Dentistry can help to reduce the risk for these issues with different treatment options. Causes of Gum DiseaseThe food that we eat contains starches and sugars that interact with the bacteria in your mouth. These bacteria form plaque on your teeth. Daily brushing and flossing removes the plaque, but it can reform quickly. Plaque that is not removed by brushing and flossing can harden and become tartar on your teeth. The longer the tartar stays on your teeth, the more damage it can cause you. There are some common risk factors for gum disease, such as poor oral hygiene, smoking or chewing tobacco, hormonal changes, diseases such as cancer, and poor nutrition. Symptoms of Gum DiseaseGum disease is most common among adults, even though it can happen at any age. Gingivitis is not always easy to identify as it may not show any noticeable symptoms. However, it may evolve to a stage, which is periodontitis, where the symptoms become severe and noticeable. The symptoms that make you a candidate for gum disease are red, tender and swollen gums, bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, pus in between the teeth and the gums, gums that have pulled away from your teeth, persistent bitter taste in your mouth, wobbly teeth, and a shift in the way your teeth fit together firmly. Diagnosis of Gum DiseaseSome methods can diagnose gum disease. The first method is to examine your gums for any inflammations. Other methods include using probes for measuring the depth of the pockets around your teeth. In addition to that, taking x-rays is a method to check for any bone loss. Treatment For Gum DiseaseThe treatment options vary from patient to patient, depending on the severity of the disease. Mild cases of gum disease can be reversed by maintaining thorough oral hygiene. If risk factors such as smoking and conditions like diabetes are contributing to gum disease, then they need to be addressed immediately. Scaling and root planing is performed to remove plaque and tartar. It helps in reducing the swelling and the depth of gum pockets to heal the infection. In cases of severe disease, you will require extensive treatment, which could involve surgery. For further information, do not hesitate to call Brea Implant & Cosmetic Dentistry at (657) 341-0808 today. |
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