Gum Disease: The Major Facts Every Patient Should Know
Looking after your smile involves more work than simply ensuring that your teeth are bright and well-aligned. Your gums are an integral part of your dental health, in addition to your general well-being. Since most people might believe their gums are in good condition, they are generally startled when they discover bad news. Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is a serious disorder that impacts the gums around the teeth, and its symptoms usually occur without discomfort. A number of field observations have shown a link with periodontal disease and different health concerns, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, strokes, and different cancers, including tooth loss.
However, we have great news: Periodontal disease can be evaded with effective oral care. The most effective method to combat periodontal disease is to get oral care from skilled dental practitioners, like the dentists at MINT dentistry in Waxahachie. Our dentists have many years' worth of know-how and training in the field of periodontal dentistry to detect various conditions and treat gum disease.
THE ESSENTIAL FACTS YOU MUST KNOW ABOUT GUM DISEASE
Frequently called gum disease, periodontal disease is an infection in the gum tissue. The gumline is the pink-colored tissue that works to hold your teeth in their appropriate positions. Improper oral health might cause a colorless substance known as plaque to gather and solidify around the gum tissue. While toothbrushing and flossing can remove some of the buildup, plaque that's not removed will become tartar and stick onto your teeth. Only an in-depth cleaning provided by a dental practitioner or dental assistant can effectively eliminate tartar.
While left on the enamel, tartar and bacteria operate jointly to bring about the initial stage of periodontal disease that we call gingivitis. Gingivitis forms when plaque gathers on the enamel and causes the nearby gumline to become red and puffy. Tartar produces toxins that impact the gums, leading them to become red and swollen and, commonly, leading to bleeding.
If gum disease progresses without care, more severe levels of gum disease could cause sensitive and bleeding gums, problems chewing, and, possibly, missing teeth. That’s why it's essential to detect and treat gum disease before the inflammation travels throughout your mouth.
GUM DISEASE ISSUES TO LOOK OUT FOR
Well-cared-for gums should be slightly yielding, pink, and fit snugly around each tooth. The beginning signs of gum disease are frequently difficult to detect by the average individual. It is critical to set up routine visits with our dental team at MINT dentistry in Waxahachie. We will work to determine the early indications of gum disease during routine teeth cleanings and dental checkups. Symptoms of damaged gums include puffiness, discoloration, tenderness, bleeding, splitting away from the tooth, excess spaces around your teeth, halitosis, missing teeth, difficulty biting, and changes in your alignment.
PATIENTS WITH PERIODONTAL DISEASE HAVE ACCESS TO SEVERAL ADVANCED TREATMENT SOLUTIONS
As people reach the more advanced degrees of gum disease, they could need surgical procedures. Our dental practitioners in Waxahachie, TX offer several surgical gum therapies, including gum grafting, gingival flap surgery, and more.
Gum disease often forces the gums to deteriorate, which will reveal a section of the tooth's roots. To revive the gum tissue, our dental professionals may provide a gum graft procedure. Commonly, self-donated connective tissue is implemented to carry out this procedure. The donor tissue is removed from the palate and reattached to your gumline, which reduces the root exposure.
Periodontal surgery can benefit people in Waxahachie, TX with late-stage periodontitis. Based on the degree of your condition, there are three techniques we will likely implement: gingival flap surgery, gingivectomy, or gingivoplasty. Gingival flap surgery moves the gumline away from the teeth to show the tooth roots and allow our dentist to measure your condition. Following that, we will do a scaling and root planing treatment to remove tartar and any deteriorated tissue. The loose gum tissue will then be readjusted and sutured back into the right location. In contrast, a gingivectomy removes and reshapes a portion of the severely diseased tissue. This procedure is mostly saved for those whose condition is more advanced. Lastly, a gingivoplasty is thought of as an aesthetic dental procedure that improves and repositions the surrounding tissues when your gum disease has been managed to ensure a more aesthetic appearance.
AVOID PERIODONTAL DISEASE BY IMPLEMENTING THESE FIVE RULES
The best way to avoid periodontal disease is to build up an excellent oral care routine. Following this simple checklist can help guarantee that your beautiful smile lasts for many years:
Flossing your teeth is crucial for your best oral care.
Flossing your teeth at least once each day is necessary to help clear away food particles that could be packed between your teeth. Brushing your teeth is a required aspect of your oral health routine. Nonetheless it still can't reach every crevice.
Adults and children should brush their teeth a minimum of two times every day.
Those who brush their teeth after meals help to eradicate plaque and food particles stuck in between their gums and teeth. It's equally crucial not to forget about the tongue. It's good to utilize your soft-bristled brush to clean your tongue, as this can reduce excess bacteria.
Make use of toothpaste and mouthwash that contain fluoride.
People find it challenging to figure out which oral hygiene products are the best. While browsing, pick a fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash. When combined, the two oral products can slow the time it takes for bacteria and tartar to harden on the enamel.
Make it a goal to see your dentist twice annually.
Plan one-on-ones with your dental care provider twice a year for oral health exams and professional cleanings. Dental assessments allow the staff at MINT dentistry in Waxahachie to identify issues like gum disease when they initially develop. For patients with dental fears, our Waxahachie, TX facility implements several sedation options to relax your nerves so you can have your evaluations and professional cleanings easily.
Eliminate tobacco products.
Those who consume tobacco products (including chewing, cigarettes, or vaping) are more likely to be diagnosed with gum disease and certain cancers. Tobacco consumption is bad for your immune system, making it more challenging for your body to battle diseases and bounce back later on.
PROTECT YOUR GUM TISSUE FROM DISEASE AND RECESSION
Efficient oral care is vital for the fight against periodontal disease. Look for a dental professional you trust, and be sure to check in at their office every six months for dental exams and professional cleanings. At MINT dentistry in Waxahachie, our team is skilled at preventing, detecting, and treating gum disease and various other oral wellness problems. Call our team today to set up a visit and begin your journey toward exceptional oral health.