Gum disease is one of the most common oral health problems, affecting millions of people worldwide. While poor oral hygiene is the leading cause of gum disease, other factors can contribute to its development. If you suspect that you may have gum disease, you must visit a dentist or periodontist for an evaluation. The gum treatment options vary depending on the severity of the disease, but early intervention is key to preventing further damage to your teeth and gums.
What is Gum Disease?
Periodontal disease affects the gums and can lead to tooth loss. It is often caused by poor oral hygiene, which allows bacteria to build up on the teeth and gums. Gum disease in Shavertown, PA, can be treated with various methods, including professional cleaning, antibiotics, and surgery. In severe cases, gum disease can lead to tooth and bone loss.
What Are The Stages of Gum Disease?
Gum disease is a chronic, progressive condition that leads to inflammation of the gums and bone loss. It can be difficult to detect gum disease because it does not cause pain or discomfort.
The stages of gum disease are as follows:
1) Gingivitis: Inflammation of the gums, redness and bleeding, swollen tissue around the teeth
2) Periodontitis: This is an advanced gum disease that causes bone and tooth loss
The Link Between Poor Oral Hygiene and Gum Disease
Poor oral hygiene is a major contributing factor to gum disease. Periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss, pain, and other serious dental problems. If you don’t brush and floss regularly, plaques build up on the gum line, and this can lead to tartar. The calculus harbors bacteria that can affect the gums.
The main risk factors for gingivitis are smoking and alcohol use. Smoking increases the risk of developing periodontal (gum) disease by increasing the number of bacteria in the mouth that cause plaque buildup on teeth and gums. Alcohol use increases the risk of developing periodontal (gum) disease by reducing saliva flow which leads to poor oral.
What are The Warning Signs of Gum Disease?
Gum disease can be difficult to detect in its early stages, but there are some warning signs to look out for, such as bleeding gums, receding gums, and bad breath. If you think you may have gingivae disease, it is important to see a dentist to treat it.
How to Treat Gum Disease?
A dentist can help you treat gum disease by performing a professional cleaning and examining your teeth. The treatment may require brushing, flossing, and other dental care products.
The most common treatment for gum disease is scaling and root planing. This is the primary gingivitis treatment, and it removes plaque from the surface of the teeth and provides relief from pain.
Some people may need antibiotics to treat gum disease. Others may need to change their diet or lifestyle to prevent it from worsening.
As the gum disease advances, you may require periodontitis treatment that involves grafting and surgery.
The good news is that some natural alternatives to gum disease treatment can be done at home. These include drinking lots of water, eating more fruits and vegetables, and avoiding sugar-rich foods.
What Are The Risks of Untreated Gum Disease?
Untreated gum disease is a chronic health condition that can lead to serious complications. It can also lead to tooth loss, bone loss, and oral cancer. Untreated gum disease is most commonly found in people with diabetes or cardiovascular diseases such as heart failure or coronary artery disease.
Tips for Maintaining Good Oral Hygiene
Oral hygiene is one of the most important aspects of our health. It helps in preventing diseases, infections, and other health issues. The following are some tips for maintaining good oral hygiene:
- Brush with a soft brush or toothpaste, floss once a day and rinse your mouth with water after brushing
- Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables
- Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration
- Avoid smoking, chewing tobacco, or using snuff.
Schedule an Appointment
Visit Back Mountain Dental for more information about gum disease and how you can treat it.
