Gum disease is a serious health condition that can damage the bone and fibers of your teeth. It can also affect your chewing motion and speech. It can be a chronic condition, and it may require aggressive periodontal treatment. Gum disease is primarily caused by the buildup of plaque on the teeth. This is a byproduct of poor oral hygiene, and bacteria in this plaque can irritate your gums.
At the early stage of gum disease, it may be easy to reverse the damage with proper brushing and flossing. However, if left untreated, gum disease can destroy your gum tissue and result in loose teeth or even tooth loss. Even though you can reverse the damage caused by gum disease, professional treatment is necessary to prevent the disease from progressing any further.
Gingivitis is an infection that causes the gums to bleed. This happens due to bacteria that collects on your teeth from your food. These bacteria eventually build up into tartar and become firmly attached to your teeth. Once tartar has built up, it is difficult to remove it through brushing alone and requires the help of a dentist. Symptoms of gingivitis include red gums that bleed when you brush, as well as bleeding gums while flossing.
Gum disease can also be caused by gum recession. It occurs when the gum tissue erodes, exposing more of the tooth. Then, bacteria can build up and cause the tooth to become more sensitive. Left untreated, gum recession can damage the supporting tissues and bones, and even lead to tooth loss. A dentist can help you manage gum disease to maintain your smile.
Surgical procedures and nonsurgical treatments are available to manage the problem. Surgical procedures involve the reconstruction of the tissues around the teeth, while nonsurgical approaches help manage bacteria growth and reduce bad breath. A regular daily routine of brushing and flossing helps you maintain your gum health and prevent gum disease. Your dentist can also prescribe oral medications that help manage the symptoms.
While the treatment for gum disease is generally the same for all patients, there are some specific procedures that may be necessary. In some cases, gum disease may spread to the roots of the teeth and make them more vulnerable to cavities. If this happens, extensive procedures will be required to repair the damage to the roots of the teeth. These procedures include soft tissue grafts.
Regardless of the type of gum disease, daily brushing and flossing are essential to preventing and treating it. These procedures remove plaque and food particles that can cause gingivitis. They also help protect the natural teeth that you have. These techniques are the best way to fight gum disease and keep it from affecting your oral health.
