Everything You Need to Know About Gum Disease

Gum disease is a common dental issue that can happen to anyone. Many people try to maintain good oral hygiene but decay and infection still happen. Gum disease is the infection of the gums and it is important to treat them as early as possible as leaving it untreated can lead to damage in the underlying jawbone which supports the teeth. In the long run, teeth become vulnerable and you can lose them, say dentist in Wenatchee.

What Causes Gum Disease?

• Plaque accumulation on teeth and gum line is one of the major reasons for gum disease. Lack of brushing and professional dental cleaning can lead to plaque deposits.
• Smoking disrupts the normal function of the gum tissue cells and makes your mouth vulnerable to infections. It can also make your mouth smell bad.
• Hormonal changes in women, especially during pregnancy, and menstruation can put the gums at an increased risk of gum disease.
• Certain medications can lead to dry mouth which increases bacteria in your mouth and increases chances of decay and infection.
• The deficiency of vitamin C can prove to be harmful to your gums.
• If your teeth overlap, are crooked, or rotate, they can attract bacteria and put you at risk of decay and infection.

Symptoms of Gum Disease

• Red, swollen, or tender gums and pain in your mouth.
• Bleeding while brushing and flossing.
• Receding gums that make your teeth appear longer than before.
• Loose or separating teeth.
• Pus between your teeth and gums.
• Sores in your mouth.
• Persistent bad breath.
• Difference in the way your teeth are together.
• Change in the fit of partial dentures.

Types of Gum Disease

• Gingivitis

  Gingivitis is the initial stage of gum disease, says the Wenatchee dentist. It makes the gums red, swollen, and bleed easily. At this stage, the discomfort is almost little or not at all. Gum disease is caused by a lack of oral hygiene and it can be reversed with the help of professional treatment and good oral home care.

  Other factors apart from poor oral hygiene that contributes to gingivitis are diabetes, smoking, aging, genetics, predisposition, stress, hormonal fluctuations, pregnancy, certain medications, etc.

• Periodontitis

  If gingivitis is left untreated, it can result in periodontitis. Over a period of time, the plaque can spread and grow below the gum line. The toxin producing bacteria in the plaque leads to a chronic inflammatory response in the body. In such a situation the gum tissues and bones supporting the teeth are broken down and destroyed. Later on, gums separate from teeth and form pockets that get infected. Then the pockets deepen and additional gum tissue and bone are destroyed. Your teeth may become loose and may have to be removed.

Treatments for Gum Disease

The dentist near Wenatchee WA says that periodontal disease is treated by periodontist, dentist or dental hygienist. They will clean the pockets and prevent damage to the surrounding bone. Treatment of gum disease is very important as if left untreated, it can cause many other health problems. There are some non-surgical treatments as well:

• Scaling

  Scaling removes tartar and bacteria from the surface of the tooth and beneath the gums. It is done using a laser or ultrasonic device.

• Root Planing

  According to the dentist near 98801, root planing smoothes the root surfaces and discourages the buildup of tartar and bacteria. He removes bacterial byproducts that contribute to inflammation and delay healing or reattachment of the gum to the tooth surface.

• Antibiotics

  Topical or oral antibiotics can help in controlling bacterial infection. They can include antibiotic mouth rinses or gels.

Surgical Treatments

In the case of advanced periodontitis, you may need dental surgery such as:

• Flap surgery
• Soft tissue grafts
• Bone grafts
• Guided tissue regeneration
• Tissue stimulating proteins

How to Prevent Gum Disease From Happening

The two significant ways of preventing gum disease are maintaining a good oral hygiene routine and seeing a dentist near you for dental cleaning and evaluation. Brush your teeth twice a day followed by flossing. See your dentist in every 6 months and in case of increased risk of gum disease, see them in every 3-4 months. Preventing gum disease is better than undergoing expensive and invasive treatments.