Gum Disease Treatment & Prevention
When discussing oral health, the teeth are generally the focus of conversation. However, gum health is equally important for maintaining proper oral health and hygiene. Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is caused by the formation of plaque, a sticky, film-like bacteria that is constantly forming on our teeth and gums.
Gum disease is an infection of the tissues surrounding the teeth, and is one of the leading causes of tooth loss for adults. The tricky part of gum disease is that it is most often completely painless. Therefore, you may not know that gum disease is an issue until it is too late.
Fortunately, at Venetian Pointe Dentistry in Orlando, Florida, we screen for this at every new patient appointment and have the expertise to monitor your gums and help provide knowledge and solutions in order to keep gum disease at bay at your hygiene appointments.
Signs of gum issues
As mentioned before, gum disease is often painless or at least mild enough to go without notice until the issue reaches a severity that causes dental action. Below are some signs that gum disease is a potential issue:
-consistent bad breath
-swollen, tender, or red gums
-gums bleeding easily and frequently
-gums pulling away from the teeth
-receding gum line
-changes in teeth positioning
-loose or separating teeth
If you are experiencing any of the issues listed above, it is recommended you make an appointment to be evaluated for gum disease at Venetian Pointe Dentistry. We can take a look at your gums, evaluate any concerns that may be present, and discuss a plan of action to prevent further progression of the disease.
Gum disease causes
To understand gum disease, it is important to also understand the different natural and lifestyle factors that can lead to gum disease. All of the following are potential indicators that gum disease could be an issue:
-incomplete or poor oral hygiene
-smoking
-crooked teeth (can make it difficult to clean properly)
-genetic predisposition
-uncontrolled diabetes
-pregnancy
-certain medications
Twice daily brushing and daily flossing as well as consistent checkups at VP Dentistry will help to keep gum disease from developing.
Types of gum disease
Gingivitis: Gingivitis is the most common and mildest form of gum disease. With gingivitis, the gums become swollen, red, and will bleed easily. At this stage of gum disease there is generally no pain or discomfort, besides an added discomfort when flossing due to already swollen gums.
The main difference between gingivitis and periodontitis is that gingivitis is still reversible with a good cleaning and proper oral hygiene. The combination of professional treatment by your dentist at Venetian Pointe Dentistry, and an upgraded oral hygiene routine should be enough to revert your gums back to their prior health.
Periodontitis: Periodontitis occurs when gingivitis is not properly treated. Plaque and the hard form of plaque called calculus spreads below the gum line and produces toxins that irritate the gums, causing chronic inflammation. This, in turn, causes the bone and tissues that are responsible for supporting the teeth to break down, creating infected pockets between the gum and teeth. As these pockets deepen, more gum tissue and bone are broken down until the tooth loosens and eventually falls out.
It is important to get a diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible if you believe you have gum disease. Gum disease at its earliest stages is very treatable. The more time you wait and the more your disease progresses the more difficult and aggressive the treatment becomes. Your dentist will notate the severity of your gum disease with a grade and stage based upon the progression of the disease. This will determine how to combat the disease and return you back to proper aesthetics and function.
Get a consultation and checkup
As with all dental issues, it is important to start by getting a checkup with Venetian Pointe Dentistry in Orlando, Florida. A checkup every 6 months allows us to constantly check in on the progress of any dental issues and tendencies, and helps to keep oral hygiene accountability.
If you feel that there may be an issue in between checkups, be sure to call your dentist and schedule an additional consultation so we can get ahead of any problems before they occur.
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