|
A Bigger Problem
Gum disease can wreak havoc on your mouth, but it can also cause
other health concerns. Research has linked gum disease to problems
such as heart disease, osteoporosis, stroke, and complications with
diabetes. Because the symptoms are initially mild, many people don't
realize they have gum disease, which can allow the condition to
worsen. You may have an increased risk for gum disease if you smoke,
have diabetes, take certain medications, endure excessive stress, or
don't eat properly.
Treating Gum Disease
Periodontics is the area of dentistry that focuses on gum disease
treatment. If caught in the early stages, your dentist can reverse
gum disease. To begin, the dentist will scale the teeth to remove
plaque and calculus, and plane the roots to smooth them. The doctor
may also prescribe antibiotics to clear up any infection or
inflammation. Advanced cases may require your dentist to surgically
trim the gums, disinfect the tissue, remove the hardened plaque
build-up, and re-contour the damaged bone.
Gum Disease in
Children
Gum disease is the inflammation and infection of the gums and the
tissue. Generally caused by bacterial plaque, it is the major cause
of adult tooth loss. Left untreated, bacterial plaque will harden to
tartar. Tartar is a rough, porous mineral buildup that is usually
yellow or brown in color. Tartar forms at and underneath the gum
line, and because it is porous, it absorbs stains. Tartar excretes
the toxins that cause gum inflammation, resulting in the development
of periodontal pockets that hold even more toxins and bacteria. This
condition can leads to the loosening of the teeth, or even the teeth
falling out. And as the condition worsens, the accumulated toxins
and bacteria move deeper into the jaw to destroy the bone that holds
the tooth in place.
Periodontics is the focus in the treatment of gum disease. Gum
disease is reversible if caught while in the early stages. The
dentist will scale the tooth to remove plaque and calculus, and
plane the tooth roots to smooth them. The dentist may prescribe
antibiotics to clear up any infection or inflammation. Advanced
cases may require the dentist to surgically trim the gums, remove
the hardened plaque build-up, and re-contour the damaged bone.
FAQs
My gums bleed when I brush. Should I be worried?
If you had bleeding on your arm or leg, you would check it out.
Because bleeding gums can indicate a more serious problem like gum
disease, you should make an appointment with your dentist to check
it out.
Is gum disease hereditary?
Although there is a genetic component to gum disease, other factors,
like lifestyle choices, age, and oral health habits, can also
influence whether you develop this condition. Talk with your dentist
to find out if you have other risk factors for gum disease.
What can I do to prevent gum disease?
The best prevention is taking proper care of your teeth and gums.
Good brushing habits, regular flossing, and routine dental visits
will go a long way to avoiding periodontal disease.
What is the cure for gum disease?
Unfortunately, there is no cure for gum disease. However, proper
treatment and good home care can stop the progression of the disease
and restore your oral health.
 |
