According to Dr. Farshad Bakhtyari of the Premier Dental Care clinic in Northern Virginia, “Periodontal disease is the number one reason for tooth loss in the world.” However, your periodontal disease does not have to be a sentence for a future filled with false teeth. By changing your behavior and adopting a healthy oral healthcare routine, you can improve your gum health in just a short period of time, preventing further complications.
The first thing you should understand is that gum disease is common. Even the most health-conscious people often neglect to brush and floss after every meal. You should also know that gum disease ranges from minor inflammation to serious infections which can affect other parts of your body and lessen your overall health. Left untreated, periodontal disease will weaken gum tissue, and eventually teeth and bones. In the most extreme situations, gum disease can lead to tooth loss.
Causes
Gum disease is caused strictly by lifestyle. If you follow your dentists instructions, you will not develop gum disease. One symptom of gum disease is inflamed gums, which is caused by the presence of bacteria in the mouth. This bacteria is normal, but it needs to be controlled; otherwise, it develops into a hardened substance on the teeth called plaque. Brushing and flossing prevents plaque buildup. But if left untreated, the plaque will harden and form tartar. Once this has occurred, brushing will not be enough to remove it. You’ll need a professional dental cleaning to remove tartar buildup. During the cleaning, the hygienist may mention gingivitis to you, a condition where the gums are swollen and red, and they are quick to bleed. If you have been dealing with plaque and tartar buildup, you may have noticed your gums bleeding during normal brushing. Then there is gingivitis, gum disease in its mildest form. Left untreated, it can lead to further complications. However, on its own, gingivitis is not serious if you adhere to a religious brushing and flossing schedule to reverse its effects.
The next step on the gum disease path is periodontis. This is when the gum area around the tooth becomes so inflamed it begins to pull away from the tooth. This forms a pocket which becomes infected from the build up of bacteria. In these little pockets, toxins buildup, causing the bone and tooth to begin to break down. The worse it becomes, the more likely you are to experience pain, bleeding, and eventually loosened teeth that may need to be extracted.
Symptoms
If you experience any of the following symptoms, speak to your dentist immediately:
- Reddening or swelling of the gums
- Chronic bad breath
- Tender gums that bleed when brushing or eating
- Pain when chewing
- Loose or wiggling teeth
- Sensitivity to hot and cold beverages
Treatment
Once it has been determined you have gum disease, and it’s been assessed how severe it is, one of several treatments will be given. Early stage gum disease will probably just be cleaned by a hygienist and you will be sent on your way, armed with educational materials about brushing and flossing. In more serious cases, a procedure known as scaling or deep cleaning will be needed. Scaling is when the built-up tartar is scraped from above and below the gum line. This gets rid of the built-up bacteria, preventing further infection. In some cases, you’ll need medication. This is often given in the form of a prescription-strength antimicrobial rinse, similar to mouthwash. If the medication and scaling don’t work, your dentist may suggest surgery. Surgical procedures may include reducing the depth of the gum pockets that have developed, or you may need a bone or tissue graft to repair the damage.
In order to avoid serious problems, deal with oral health sooner rather than later. You have complete control over the health of your teeth, and by following oral healthcare basics, you can prevent painful, expensive complications.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.
