Gum Disease: The Major Signs Each Patient Should Know
Taking care of your smile involves more work than simply ensuring that your teeth are shiny and straight. Your gums are a significant aspect of your oral health, in addition to your general well-being. Because the majority of patients might believe their gums are in good condition, they are generally surprised if they are alerted to an issue. Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a serious condition that affects the gums that surround a patient's teeth. The disease's symptoms typically occur without pain. A number of field observations have shown a connection that relates periodontal disease and different health issues, including diabetes, heart disease, strokes, and some cancers, as well as tooth loss.
Despite this, there is welcome news: Gum disease can be evaded with professional dental care. The most effective method to battle periodontal disease is to get dental care from credentialed dental practitioners, like the staff at MINT dentistry in Uptown. Our practitioners have expansive know-how and expertise in the area of periodontal dentistry to detect a number of conditions and treat gum disease.
THE ESSENTIAL FACTS YOU MUST KNOW WHEN IT COMES TO PERIODONTAL DISEASE
Often referred to as gum disease, periodontal disease is known as an infection in the gum tissue. Your gumline is the fleshy tissue that serves to secure your teeth in their correct placements. Improper oral care will often lead a fuzzy-feeling bacteria known as plaque to gather and solidify along the gum tissue. Although brushing and flossing can remove a portion of the bacteria, plaque that's not eliminated will become tartar and cement onto your teeth. Only a biannual cleaning performed by a dentist or dental hygienist can completely remove tartar.
When collecting on the teeth, tartar and food particles operate as a pair to cause the first type of periodontal disease called gingivitis. Gingivitis forms when plaque gathers on the enamel and leads the surrounding gums to become inflamed. Bacteria produces toxins that cause damage to the gums, causing them to become discolored and swollen and, often, leading to bleeding.
If periodontal disease worsens without management, more severe phases of gum disease will often lead to sore and bleeding gums, issues with chewing, and, possibly, tooth loss. This is why it's important to detect and address periodontal disease before the inflammation spreads around your other oral structures.
PERIODONTAL DISEASE SIGNS TO LOOK OUT FOR
Properly functioning gums are taut, pink, and fit snugly around your teeth. The first indicators of periodontal disease are usually hard to identify by the typical man or woman. It is important to set up routine appointments with the dental team at MINT dentistry in Uptown. We will work to detect the tell-tale markers of periodontal disease during routine teeth cleanings and dental examinations. Symptoms of unhealthy gums include swelling, discoloration, tenderness, bleeding, detachment from the tooth, new spaces around your teeth, bad breath, loose teeth, uncomfortable chewing, and changes in your alignment.
INDIVIDUALS WITH GUM DISEASE CAN RECEIVE A VARIETY OF SURGICAL TREATMENT OPTIONS
As patients reach the more progressive stages of gum disease, they can need surgical solutions. Our dental professionals in Dallas, TX offer many advanced gum therapies, namely gum grafting, gingival flap surgery, and others.
Gum disease usually forces the gumline to deteriorate, which will reveal part of the roots of the teeth. To fix your gum tissue, our dentists may perform a gum graft procedure. Commonly, self-donated connective tissue is implemented to complete this operation. The donor sample will be borrowed from the upper part of your mouth and sutured to your gumline, which will address the tooth root exposure.
Periodontal surgery will often help patients in Dallas, TX with advanced periodontitis. Depending on the degree of your condition, there is a selection of techniques we will likely incorporate: gingival flap surgery, gingivectomy, and gingivoplasty. Gingival flap surgery moves the gum tissue away from the tooth to uncover the tooth roots and enable our dentist to evaluate your situation. After this, our dentist will perform a deep cleaning to clear out tartar and excess compromised tissue. The separated gum tissue will then be repositioned and stitched back into the proper location. Meanwhile, a gingivectomy removes and alters a portion of the severely diseased tissue. This option is generally saved for those whose situation is more intense. Finally, a gingivoplasty is considered a cosmetic dental service that enhances and readjusts your gum tissue after your gum disease has been taken care of to create a more aesthetic look.
PREVENT GUM DISEASE USING THESE FIVE MEASURES
The surest way to avoid periodontal disease is to build up an excellent home-based oral health regimen. Following this helpful checklist may help guarantee that your gorgeous smile stays healthy for many years:
Flossing your teeth is essential for your best oral wellness.
Flossing at least one time a day is necessary to help clear away germs that may be wedged in between your teeth. Brushing your teeth is a vital part of your oral health routine. However, it still can't really clean every area.
People need to clean their teeth a minimum of two times daily.
People who clean their teeth after mealtimes help to remove plaque and buildup trapped in between their gum tissue and teeth. It's also crucial not to disregard your tongue. It's good to utilize your soft-bristled toothbrush to scrub your tongue — doing so may reduce excess bacteria.
Find toothpaste and mouthwash that contain fluoride.
It's often difficult to learn which oral hygiene products are the most beneficial. When shopping, choose a fluoride-based toothpaste and mouth rinse. If combined, the two products can extend how long it takes for food particles and tartar to collect on the teeth.
Make sure you see your dental practitioner twice yearly.
Arrange visits with your dentist two times each year for dental health exams and professional cleanings. Oral examinations enable the team at MINT dentistry in Uptown to identify problems like gum disease when they first show up. For patients with dental fears, our Dallas, TX office uses several sedation techniques to settle your nerves. This way, you can receive your checkups and professional cleanings with ease.
Give up tobacco products.
People who consume tobacco products (including dipping, cigars, or e-cigarettes) are more likely to be diagnosed with gum disease and oral cancer. Tobacco consumption negatively impacts your immune system. This can make it more challenging on your body to fend off harmful germs and recover later on.
GUARD YOUR GUMLINE FROM PLAQUE BUILDUP AND DETERIORATION
Preventive oral care is necessary in the war against gum disease. Seek out a dental care provider you trust, and be sure to visit their office two times a year for checkups and professional cleanings. At MINT dentistry in Uptown, we are skilled at preventing, identifying, and getting rid of gum disease and countless other periodontal wellness problems. Get in touch with our office today to schedule an appointment and take off on your journey toward ideal oral health.