If your general dentist has diagnosed you with gum disease, there are reasons why you should feel nervous. But while you should take these issues seriously, the condition does not need to leave you feeling hopeless. This disease can have severe effects if you ignore it. Luckily, your dentist can offer some helpful treatments to reverse its effects and restore your health. Take comfort to know that no matter how much the disease has progressed, you can do something about the way you look and feel.
The terms gingivitis and periodontitis relate to this disease. Gingivitis is a mild form of the condition, while periodontitis is the disease in more progressive forms. The conditions start when bacteria invade the teeth and gums due to poor brushing and flossing habits. Bacteria turn into a sticky substance known as plaque. If the patient or dentist does not remove plaque, it hardens and becomes tartar.
The consequences of gum disease can be serious. At first, the gums will become red and swollen. The gums can bleed and may be in pain. The bacteria can cause the teeth to pull away from the gums, resulting in tooth loss and bone loss. Infections can develop and spread throughout the mouth and face, and they may even reach the heart. People with periodontitis are at risk of developing heart disease.
The most effective, smart way to treat gum disease is to never have it. There are good ways to prevent periodontitis from ever starting. Brushing twice a day and flossing daily will eliminate the bacteria that cause plaque and tartar buildup. People should brush after meals and brush for at least two minutes every time. Using a mouthwash can also help kill any bacteria.
Staying on track with dental visits is vital. Semiannual examinations will include teeth cleanings and thorough gum cleanings. The dentist can identify early signs of gingivitis that the patient may not have noticed. The dentist can then offer good advice on care or may start a treatment plan.
Periodontitis is much more difficult to treat, but gingivitis is treatable and reversible. The earlier a patient start to fight this condition, the more likely the person will be to overcome it. More effective brushing and flossing can make gums healthier and get rid of bacteria in the mouth. The dentist can also scrape away plaque and tartar at wellness checkups.
A person can be free of gum disease with an aggressive approach. The dentist can also employ methods such as scaling and root planing to help the patient heal. These processes are ways of deep-cleaning the gumline and eliminating bacteria. Surgical procedures are also available to halt the disease.
Gum disease does not have to stay with you forever. Make sure you talk to your dentist about treatment options. Follow good oral hygiene practices every day, as well. With consistent effort, you can enjoy the gum and teeth health you need.
Request an appointment here: https://somervilledentist.com or call Assembly Dental at (857) 300-5779 for an appointment in our Somerville office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Gum Disease in Somerville, MA.
Most people have experienced seeing red on the bristles of their toothbrush, or a pink tint in the sink when they expectorate after brushing. It is normal to feel a bit of concern when noticing blood in the mouth because bleeding gums are a symptom commonly associated with gum disease. However, while chronic bleeding gums…
Gum disease starts with the growth of bacteria in the mouth. When brushing or flossing does not remove this bacteria, harmful plaque accumulates and hardens into tartar. The collection of tartar along the gum line results in gingivitis, which can worsen into periodontal disease. Symptoms of this disease can be mild in the early stages,…
We can set you on the right routine to prevent gum disease and live a happy pain-free life.When it comes to your oral health, proper oral hygiene and regular checkups at our dental office can help prevent gum disease. Even if the early symptoms of gum disease don't seem to cause any pain, prompt treatment…
Bleeding gums can be a sign of vigorous brushing or something worse. Call for a checkup.If you're looking for answers to why your gums are irritated or bleeding, we can help. When it comes to oral health, there are multiple reasons for bleeding gums. We can identify the source of the issue and provide treatment.From…
