Gum disease is preventable. Despite this, a
large number of people have some level of gum disease. It may be noticeable, or
the symptoms could be hidden. The first step to finding out if you have a
problem with your gums is to know the signs of gingivitis and periodontitis.
Some signs of gum disease include:
·
If your gums bleed from
brushing or flossing
·
Sore, tender gums that feel
bruised
·
Bright red or purple swollen
gums, or gums that are too shiny
·
Receding gums that reveal more
of the tooth
·
Movement of teeth – New gaps
between teeth, a change in how the teeth fit together or teeth becoming loose
·
Pussy deposits around the teeth
and gums
·
Bad breath, a bad taste in the
mouth or mouth sores could also be an indicator
Prevention First
Gingivitis and periodontitis are
preventable. You’ve been told this your whole life, but you should brush your
teeth twice a day. Plaque builds up on your teeth. This becomes tartar and
hardens. From this, you end up with a possible issue with your gums.
Flossing at least once a day will clean in
between your teeth. Besides preventing gum problems, flossing also helps to
stop bad breath. Mouthwashes can be of added use as well.
It is recommended to see your dentist every
six months. At the very least once a year. You want to be sure your teeth and
gums are healthy. Healthy teeth improve enjoyment and quality of life.
Other Causes
Besides bad dental hygiene, what else
causes gum disease?
·
Conditions like diabetes,
thyroid disorders, HIV or nutrient deficiencies
·
Some medications and birth
control pills
·
Unsuitable mouth appliances
·
Fillings that aren’t smooth or
misaligned teeth
Treatments
Your dentist may recommend one or a
combination of the following treatments:
·
A non-surgical option like
scaling or root planing
·
A course of antibiotics
Surgical treatments vary, depending on the
condition of your gums:
·
A soft tissue graft involves
tissue being moved from the roof of your mouth to the affected area
·
Flap surgery involves the
cutting of the gum to clean at the root of the teeth.
·
A bone graft is where the tooth
is held in place after the removal of the bone.
·
Enamel matrix derivative
application and guided tissue regeneration are aimed at regrowing the bone and
tissue. The enamel matrix derivative application is a gel that is applied to
the affected area. Guided tissue regeneration uses a biocompatible fabric
between the bone and tooth to promote bone growth.
A Special Mention About Periodontitis
If your gums get that bad, then you could
have a type of periodontitis. The types include:
·
Chronic – The most likely type
you’ll have
·
Aggressive –Hits hard,
destroying bone and gum
·
Necrotizing – Literally the
death of the gums, ligaments and bone. Usually found in people with systematic
conditions
·
A symptom of other diseases.
Heart disease, respiratory disease and diabetes can cause periodontitis.
Periodontitis is an advanced form of
gingivitis. It’s very preventable with care. If it pops up, you could find
yourself with high dental bills and a changed lifestyle. Look after your dental
health and your teeth look after you.
Visit Mark L Civin, your Palm beach Gardens
Dentist at Civinsmiles.com
