Gum Disease: The Important Facts Each Individual Must Recognize
Looking after your smile involves more work than just making sure your teeth are shiny and well-aligned. The gums are a significant part of your oral health, in addition to your overall health. Since the majority of men and women may assume their gums are healthy, they are typically surprised if they are informed of bad news. Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is a degenerative disorder that impacts the gums around a patient's teeth, and its symptoms typically occur without pain. Numerous studies have discovered an association with gum disease and seemingly unrelated health concerns, such as diabetes, heart disease, strokes, and some cancers, in addition to tooth loss.
In spite of this, we have welcome news: Periodontal disease can be prevented with comprehensive oral care. The simplest method to prevent gum disease is to receive dental care from talented dental practitioners, like the dentists at MINT dentistry in Humble. Our dentists have extensive knowledge and expertise in the field of periodontal dentistry to uncover a number of concerns and manage gum disease.
THE BASIC FACTS YOU MUST KNOW REGARDING GUM DISEASE
Also referred to as gum disease, periodontal disease is essentially an infection in the gumline. The gumline is the oral tissue that works to hold your teeth in their appropriate positions. Ineffective dental care can lead a colorless substance known as plaque to collect and harden along the gum tissue. While toothbrushing and flossing should reduce a portion of the buildup, plaque that's not eradicated will turn into tartar and harden onto your teeth. Only a dental cleaning performed by a dental practitioner or dental assistant can totally get rid of tartar.
If left on the enamel, tartar and plaque work jointly to bring about the initial type of gum disease called gingivitis. Gingivitis comes about when plaque collects on teeth and causes the surrounding gums to become red and puffy. Plaque creates toxins that irritate your gum tissues, leading them to become inflamed and puffy and, often, causing bleeding.
As periodontal disease advances with no treatment, more severe levels of periodontal disease may lead to painful and bleeding gums, issues with chewing, and, potentially, missing teeth. That’s why it's critical to detect and treat gum disease before infection travels around your mouth.
GUM DISEASE SYMPTOMS TO BE AWARE OF
The ideal gums should be firm, pinkish, and fit comfortably around each tooth. The first signs of gum disease are commonly difficult to detect by the average patient. It is essential to arrange regular visits with the dental professionals at MINT dentistry in Humble. We can detect the tell-tale signals of periodontal disease during biannual cleanings and dental assessments. Symptoms of infected gums include swelling, discoloration, tenderness, bleeding, separation from the tooth, excess spaces around your teeth, halitosis, loose teeth, issues with chewing, and changes in your dental alignment.
INDIVIDUALS WITH PERIODONTAL DISEASE CAN RECEIVE MANY ADVANCED TREATMENT SOLUTIONS
As patients reach the more progressive degrees of periodontal disease, they might need surgical solutions. Our dental practitioners in Humble, TX can perform a number of surgical gum treatments, in particular, gum tissue transplanting, gingival flap surgery, and others.
Gum disease usually forces the gum tissue to weaken, which will expose a portion of the tooth's roots. To fix your gumline, our dental practitioners may provide a gum grafting surgery. Typically, self-donated connective tissue is implemented for this service. The grafted sample is extracted from the roof of your mouth and reattached to your gumline, which reduces the root exposure.
Gum surgery may help individuals in Humble, TX with the later phases of periodontitis. Depending on the stage of your condition, there are a few techniques we might use: gingival flap surgery, gingivectomy, or gingivoplasty. Gingival flap surgery pulls the gum tissue away from the enamel to reveal the tooth roots and permit our dentist to gauge your condition. When this is complete, our dentist will perform a deep cleaning to remove tartar and excess infected tissue. The relocated gum tissue will then be moved and stitched back into the right location. In contrast, a gingivectomy removes and reshapes a portion of the diseased tissue. This treatment is typically reserved for people whose gum disease has progressed. Lastly, a gingivoplasty is, at times, a cosmetic dental treatment that enhances and readjusts the affected gum tissues once your periodontal disease has been managed to ensure a more natural look.
AVOID PERIODONTAL DISEASE BY IMPLEMENTING THESE SIMPLE PRACTICES
The most ideal way to avoid periodontal disease is to discover an excellent home-based oral care regimen. Obeying this simple checklist could help ensure that your unique smile lasts many years:
Flossing is vital for your best oral wellness.
Flossing your teeth a minimum of once daily or nightly will help remove harmful bacteria that might be stuck in between your teeth. Brushing your teeth is a vital part of your oral health routine. Nonetheless doing so every day still can't reach every crevice.
You should brush their teeth a minimum of twice each day.
Individuals who brush their teeth after eating help to remove tartar and bacteria wedged in between their gum tissue and teeth. It's also important not to overlook the tongue. You should use your brush to scrub your tongue, as this may reduce excess bacteria.
Utilize toothpaste and mouth rinses with fluoride.
People find it difficult to figure out which dental health products are the most effective. While browsing, choose a fluoride toothpaste and mouth rinse. If utilized in tandem, the two oral products will extend how long it takes for bacteria and tartar to collect on the enamel.
Make it a goal to see your dental practitioner twice every year.
Plan consultations with your dental practitioner two times every year for an oral health exams and professional cleanings. Oral exams allow the dentists at MINT dentistry in Humble to catch issues like gum disease when they initially develop. To help people with dental fears, our Humble, TX facility provides several sedation options to settle your nerves so you can receive your checkups and professional cleanings without difficulty.
Eliminate tobacco use.
Men and women who use tobacco products (including chewing, cigars, or e-cigarettes) are at a higher risk to wind up with periodontal disease and certain cancers. Tobacco usage weakens your immune system, making it more difficult on your body to fend off diseases and bounce back afterward.
SAVE YOUR GUMLINE FROM DISEASE AND RECESSION
Proper dental care is essential for the battle against gum disease. Seek out a dental professional you trust, and be sure to visit their facility every six months for dental exams and professional cleanings. At MINT dentistry in Humble, our dental professionals are skilled at preventing, identifying, and improving gum disease, in addition to countless other oral wellness issues. Call our team today to set up an appointment and start your journey toward exceptional dental health.