7 Vital Things You Need To Know About Gum Disease

7 Vital Things You Need To Know About Gum Disease

Jan 01, 2021

Periodontal disease is a prevalent dental condition, and it is usually caused by poor oral hygiene. This blog will discuss gum disease in detail to help you stay safe from it and seek treatment when the time is right.

Symptoms of Gum Disease

Gum disease is often referred to as a silent killer because of how it is hard to identify it in its early stages if you don’t visit the dentist Roslindale. However, there are some early signs that can suggest you are suffering from the disease. These symptoms include:

  • Bleeding gums
  • Swollen gums
  • Bad breath in the morning
  • Feeling pain while chewing.
  • Pus between your gums and teeth
  • You start noticing new spaces between your teeth.
  • Your teeth stop fitting together like they used to
  • Gums pulling away from your teeth, making your teeth appear larger than normal (Receding gums).
  • Your teeth becoming loose.
  • Tender feel on your gums

If you experience any of the above symptoms, there is a likelihood you are suffering from gum disease. Visit a top dentist near me for diagnosis and treatment. We are here for you if you are looking for periodontal disease treatment in Jamaica Plain, MA.

Causes of Periodontal Disease

Generally, gum disease is caused by plaque buildup. Plaque buildup happens because of poor oral hygiene. You can get rid of plaque buildup by brushing your teeth at least two times a day and flossing daily. Also, make sure to visit your dentist near me every six months for professional cleanings.

If plaque is left for long on your teeth, it hardens under the gumline, causing tartar. Tartar is even tougher to remove. The more plaque and tartar remain on your teeth, the more they increase the risk of gingivitis before progressing to periodontal disease.

The ongoing inflammation from gingivitis causes deep pockets between your gums and teeth. These pockets fill with plaque and tartar, becoming a safe haven for bacteria. If left untreated for long, it develops into gum disease, affecting your jawbone and gum tissue.

In most cases, untreated gum disease leads to the loss of more than one tooth. That’s why it is crucial to visit the dentist every six months for checkups and cleanings to reduce gum disease risk.

Gum Disease Risk Factors

Everyone is at risk of developing gum disease, but some are at higher risk than others. Some risk factors of the infection include:

  • Poor oral hygiene
  • Chewing and smoking tobacco
  • Smoking marijuana and other recreational drugs.
  • Vitamin C deficiency
  • Genetics: If gum disease is prevalent in your family, you will be at a higher risk.
  • Certain medications can lead to dry mouth.
  • Certain infections, including arthritis and diabetes.
  • Decreased immunity caused by HIV/AIDS and cancer treatments.
  • Obesity.

Gum Disease Treatment

There are several treatments for gum disease, and your dentist will choose the one most suitable for your condition. If the gum disease is just beginning, the dentist will conduct a thorough cleaning and advise you to maintain proper oral hygiene.

If the gum disease is too severe, gum graft surgery becomes necessary. Sometimes the dentist may even have to extract the tooth to prevent it from spreading the infection to the surrounding teeth. Tooth extraction is always the last option.

How Long Is the Normal Treatment of Periodontal Gum Disease?

Typically, it depends on the type of treatment suitable for your condition, depending on the extent of the gum disease. If the gum disease is not too severe, it will take one visit to the dentist. The dentist will deep clean your gums and teeth, getting rid of any plaque and tartar buildup.

If the infection is severe, it will take more than one visit and cleaning to clear all the tartar and plaque in the pockets. Your dentist will also give you some medications, including mouthwashes, antibiotic gels, antibiotic microspheres, and enzyme suppressants. You will continue using them until you are all healed up. It takes several days to a few weeks to get all healed up.

How to Cure Periodontal Gum Disease

Gum disease is cured through various treatment options, including improved oral hygiene, medications, and surgery.

What Are the Side Effects of Periodontal Gum Disease?

The worst side effect is it leads to loss of your natural teeth. Yes, you can still replace the missing tooth, but the replacement will never be as functional and aesthetic as a natural tooth. Furthermore, teeth replacement is not cheap.

Pondside Dental Associates

If you are looking for a dentist in Jamaica Plain, MA, you are in the right place. Book an appointment now and let us help you.

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