Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a common condition that affects many people around the world. It is caused by the build-up of plaque on the teeth, which can lead to inflammation and infection of the gums. But just how worried should you be about gum disease?
If your biological parents or grandparents have a history of gum disease, you’re more likely to develop it as well. There are so many things you can do in your everyday routine to prevent you from getting gum disease. The types of foods you eat (or don’t eat), smoking cessation, daily brushing and flossing, and keeping up with dental checkups will go a long way. The first step in taking control of gum disease is to visit your dentist.
Early Signs of Gum Disease
It’s important to be aware of the early signs of gum disease, such as redness, swelling, and bleeding of the gums. If left untreated, gum disease can progress to more serious stages, including the loss of bone and tissue that support the teeth. This can ultimately lead to tooth loss.
In rare cases, ANUG can lead to gangrene affecting the lips and cheeks. If you develop gangrene, you may need to have the dead tissue removed. Mouthwash containing chlorhexidine or hydrogen peroxide may be prescribed to treat ANUG. Some chlorhexidine mouthwashes are also available over the counter, though they may not be as effective as a hydrogen peroxide mouthwash.
Factors that Increase Risk
There are several factors that can increase your risk of developing gum disease, including poor oral hygiene, smoking, diabetes, and genetics. If you have any of these risk factors, it’s important to be vigilant about your oral health and visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings.
Prevention and Treatment
Interdental cleaning before brushing does have the advantage that you’re less likely to skip it. Alternatively, some people swear by fluffy expanding floss, which is excellent for cleaning purposes but has a tendency to shred. Examples include Corsodyl Daily Expanding Floss, Sensodyne Gentle Floss Expanding, or GUM Access Floss. The other advantage of floss is that it gets in between the contact points where two neighbouring teeth touch. This is where plaque tends to accumulate, and it’s where cavities are most likely to form between teeth.
Gum disease is closely linked with type 2 diabetes and may also increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. Sometimes, gums require reshaping to help preserve your dental work. Phase 2 Therapy involves the periodontist performing surgical and laser procedures that are necessary to repair the damage to your gums and bone that was caused by the infection. Without repair, the damaged areas could be vulnerable to new bacterial growth, further damage, and risks to overall health. Akshima is a registered dentist and seasoned medical writer from Dharamshala, India.
When you consume food and drink high in carbohydrates (sugary or starchy foods), bacteria in plaque turn carbohydrates into the energy they need, producing acid at the same time. Your mouth is full of bacteria that combine with saliva to form a sticky film known as plaque, which builds up on your teeth. Healthy gums should be pink, firm and keep your teeth securely in place. However, the poor research evidence for flossing doesn’t mean that flossing is “pointless” or “doesn’t work”. It’s more likely that people didn’t floss very effectively (or perhaps even skipped it altogether), or that the research wasn’t very well designed.
The good news is that gum disease is preventable and treatable. By maintaining a good oral hygiene routine, including brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist regularly, you can help prevent gum disease from developing. If you do develop gum disease, your dentist can recommend treatment options to help manage the condition and prevent it from worsening.
It does this by creating lots of new little blood vessels to fight off the infection. It is these new blood vessels that make the gums look red and swollen. The bacteria attack the blood vessels, which then become fragile and bleed easily. When periodontitis isn’t treated, the bone and tissues which hold your teeth in place are destroyed, and the teeth may become loose or fall out (advanced periodontitis).
In conclusion, while gum disease is a common condition, it is important to take it seriously. By being proactive about your oral health and addressing any signs of gum disease early on, you can help prevent serious complications and maintain a healthy smile for years to come.
This exposed root makes the tooth more susceptible to decay, abfraction (wear in the root surface), tooth sensitivity, and potential tooth loss. With gums that bleed, there is more to think about than the pain or discomfort of the bleeding itself. Other health issues can arise if your bleeding is related to gum disease. Dentists suggest that patients have their teeth cleaned by a dental hygienist twice a year to remove plaque that can… Anyone who has had a professional dental cleaning has had some scaling done to their teeth. When a dental hygienist uses a hand tool to scrape plaque off teeth, that’s scaling.
