Gum disease is a common dental problem, and in its advanced form, it’s the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. In addition to causing oral health issues, gum disease can also increase your risk of developing serious chronic illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease.
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease starts as a mild form of gingivitis, which leads to infected gums. If it goes untreated, the infection can spread below your gum line into the bone of your tooth and become a more serious form of gum disease called periodontitis.
What Causes Gum Disease?
Bacteria can grow in our mouths which leads to plaque buildup, a sticky, colorless film on your teeth. Brushing and flossing can help remove plaque, but if it’s not removed, it can harden and form tartar.
What Are the Symptoms of Gum Disease?
The symptoms of gum disease include:
- Gums that are red, swollen, or tender
- Bleeding when you brush or floss
- Gums that recede or pull away from the teeth
- Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth
- Wiggly or shifting teeth
- Mouth sores
- Pus surrounding your teeth and gums
- Change in the way your partial dentures fit
- Teeth that are sensitive to hot and cold foods or beverages
- Pain while chewing food
How Can You Prevent Gum Disease?
The following tips can help prevent gum disease:
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day
- Brush your tongue since it can harbor bacteria
- Floss at least once a day
- Use mouthwash to remove food particles and reduce plaque
- Avoid high-carb and sugary foods
- Eat plenty of foods with vitamins A and C, which can help prevent gum disease
- Receive regular dental care to remove plaque and detect any problems at their earliest stages
- Keep your blood sugar levels stable
- Avoid clenching and grinding your teeth, since this may weaken the supporting tissues on your teeth
How Can Gum Disease Be Treated?
The treatment you’ll need often depends on how advanced your gum disease is. It can be treated in the following ways:
- Practicing good oral hygiene
- Deep teeth cleaning: This can include scaling (which removes tartar above and below the gum line) and planing (smoothing rough spots and removing plaque and tartar from the root surface)
- Medication: Antibiotics to treat the infection
- Flap Surgery: Lifting the gums back to remove plaque and tartar from deeper pockets and then stitch the gums back in place
- Bone & Tissue Grafts: Replace tissue and jaw destroyed by advanced gum disease
If you need regular dental care or experiencing symptoms of gum disease, make an appointment today with Cedar Mountain Dental. Our dental experts use the latest state-of-the-art technology to prevent, diagnose, and treat dental conditions. With more than 30 years of dental expertise, our compassionate and knowledgeable dental staff is devoted to delivering high-quality dental care. Schedule your consultation today by calling (860) 667-2600.