Say “dentist” and you think “teeth”, right? Yet, the health of your gums is also a vital concern for dental professionals.
What’s so essential about your gums? Simply put, healthy gum tissue fits snugly around your teeth to support them. Gum disease is the primary cause of adult tooth loss.
Your gums deserve the same respect as your teeth. So, learn how to tell if you have gum disease, how to treat it, and how to prevent it.
Also called periodontal disease, gum disease has three stages.
Stage One: Gingivitis – A mild form of gum disease, gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums caused by plaque (also known as dental biofilm) and tartar build-up on teeth. The positive news is that gingivitis is reversible if treated, stopping gum disease in its tracks.
Stage Two: Periodontitis – Untreated gingivitis could turn into periodontitis. This disease infects the gum tissue more seriously, causing gum pockets and infection of the bone tissue.
Stage Three: Aggressive Periodontitis – At this point, your gum pockets cause the gum tissue to detach from your teeth. This detachment can lead to your teeth becoming loose and falling out.
Also, other health conditions might develop from gum disease as the by-products of germs enter your bloodstream.
Gum disease is a silent infection; millions of people might not know they have it. If you’re unaware of any plaque or tartar build-up, how do you know if you have gum disease?
Signs of common gum disease can alert you that there might be a problem. If you experience any symptoms noted below, make a dentist appointment as soon as possible.
Gum disease symptoms include:
If you have any of these symptoms, your dentist can confirm whether you have gingivitis or periodontitis – and tell you what treatment is necessary.
Gingivitis Treatment: Your dentist or dental hygienist can perform a two-step deep-cleaning procedure called dental scaling and root planing. Remember, treatment for gingivitis can reverse gum disease.
Periodontitis Treatment: If your gums develop periodontitis, your dentist will usually refer you to a periodontist – a gum disease specialist. Periodontitis treatment usually requires surgical procedures, such as:
Be a dental-care action hero by taking these steps to zap plaque and banish periodontal disease:
Visit your dentist twice annually, but at least once a year: By getting regular check-ups and cleanings, your dental professionals can spot early gum disease – even if you don’t experience symptoms. They can then treat gum disease and possibly stop it from advancing.
Make your home oral health care routine non-negotiable: Even if you’re rushed in the morning or bone-tired at night, we know you can find two or so minutes twice a day to remove plaque.
Keep healthy in mind and body: Your oral health can affect your overall health – and vice versa. Since certain risk factors might increase your chance of developing gum disease, it could be time to make healthy decisions:
By taking preventative action, your gums should have a long, happy, pink, and disease-free life.
