Periodontal disease, another name for gum disease, is a common oral health problem that impacts millions of individuals globally. If treatment is not received, gingivitis, a minor form of gum inflammation, can develop into periodontitis, a more serious illness. Understanding gum disease is crucial for preserving good oral health in Glen Oaks, New Jersey. This article aims to provide you with the necessary knowledge to safeguard your teeth and gums by examining the signs, causes, and available treatments of gum disease as explained by a dental practice in Glen Oaks, NY.
Periodontal Disease
When plaque—a sticky layer of bacteria—accumulates and solidifies into tartar on teeth, gum disease results. Plaque can irritate the gum tissue and cause inflammation and infection if it is not eradicated by frequent brushing and flossing. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss by affecting the bone and other tissues that support the teeth.
Symptoms of Gum Disease
However early diagnosis of the symptoms of gum disease is equally important to start the treatment. Common signs include:
- Inflammation: Healthy gums are typically firm and pale pink. Red or swollen gums, however, may indicate gum disease. Among the problems that sometimes develop is sore and swollen gums, a symptom caused by inflammation.
- Bleeding Gums: If your gums bleed while brushing, flossing, or eating, gum disease can certainly play a role. This is a very prominent symptom and should not be overlooked.
- Halitosis (Bad Breath):Chronic bad breath or halitosis can be caused by the bacteria in plaque and tartar that collect along the gum line.
- Gum recession: It is a sign your toothbrush is too hard, or could be periodontal disease causing the gums to pull back and away from teeth so more of the surface area shows, making it look like those two front upper and lower incisors grew an inch overnight.
- Loose teeth: When the gum disease further advances, it starts to damage the supporting structure of your tooth which causes shifting and/ or loose teeth.
- Changes in Bite: You may experience changes in how your teeth come together when biting down as well, and this could be an indication that the bone structure supporting the gums has already been affected by gum disease.
Treatment of Gum Disease
Treatment options will vary significantly depending on the diagnosed severity of gum disease.
1. Non-Surgical Treatments:
- Professional Cleaning: Your dentist or dental hygienist will do a deeper cleaning called scaling and root planing to remove plaque and tartar from beneath the gum line. For early-stage gum disease (gingivitis), treatment usually suffices. If an infection or inflammation is caused by bacteria, sometimes the dentist will prescribe antibiotics.
2. Surgical Treatments:
- Flap Surgery: Flap surgery may be required for more severe cases. In this procedure, the gums are lifted back and tartar is removed from deep pockets which also sutured the gum tissue to fit tightly around the teeth.
- Bone and Tissue Grafts: If bone or tissue loss has occurred, grafting procedures may be required to rebuild the structures that are supporting the teeth. This helps the gums re-attach as well as regrowth any lost bone.
3. Ongoing Maintenance:
After treatment, it is necessary to have regular dental visits and cleanings to monitor your gum’s health and prevent a relapse. If you are more prone to periodontal disease, your dentist might suggest frequent visits.
If not treated, gum disease can progress and develop into a more serious oral health problem that results in the loss of teeth or other complications. Glen Oaks, NJ gum disease residents can help prevent the onset of this condition with good oral hygiene practices, routine dental exams, and healthy living. If you have any symptoms of gum disease, call your dentist straight away to be evaluated and form a treatment plan.
