Gum disease – also known as Gingivitis and Periodontal Disease – is an oral disease caused by long term effects of bacteria in the oral cavity. Gingivitis is the earlier stages of the disease, which is associated with the inflammation of the gums. If left untreated, it eventually leads to Periodontal Disease, which is a more advanced stage of gum disease. This condition involves the inner layer of the gum pulling away from the teeth and creating pockets that destroy the gum tissue and bones.
Before we move on to the symptoms and treatment of gum disease, it is important to have a clear idea about what exactly causes this condition. The primary cause of gum disease is the plaque buildup on the gums and other surfaces inside of the mouth. Poor oral hygiene is the most common cause of this. Moreover, regular smoking, genetics and also some illnesses such as diabetes and cancer can increase the possibility of developing gum disease.
Early Symptoms
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Bad Breath / Bad taste in the mouth: A persistent and excessive foul odor in the oral cavity is one of the earliest and most noticeable symptoms of gum disease. It often follows with an unpleasant taste in the mouth that does not go away.
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Swollen and tender gums: If the affected area is towards the front of the mouth, the swelling and redness of the gums will be visible.
- Bleeding gums when brushing
Late stage symptoms
- Receding Gums
- Unprovoked bleeding
- Deep pockets forming in between teeth and gums
- Loose teeth
- Shifting teeth that affect the fit when biting down
Prevention
Maintaining proper oral hygiene is first and foremost the most effective way of preventing gum diseases. This includes properly brushing your teeth twice a day for at least 2 minutes. It is better to use a toothpaste with adequate amounts of fluoride to treat cavities at their very first stages.
Smoking has a high correlation with gum diseases, increasing the risk drastically. This is due to the high amount of tartar that smokers develop in their gums and teeth. Therefore, not smoking is an important preventive measure for gum disease.
Treatment
The first step of gum disease treatment in Davie when you visit your dentist is called scaling and polishing your teeth, which is also known as a professional cleanup of your teeth. This includes removing any plaque or tartar buildup from your gums and teeth that is one of the major causes which leads to gum diseases.
If gum disease has progressed further, your Davie dentist may recommend a root planning session which includes deep cleaning under the gums to remove any bacteria buildup. A local anesthetic may be used in order to numb the area prior to this treatment. For those who have severe gum diseases that have progressed deep, dental clinic in Davie will advise removing the affected tooth. This treatment is often coupled with antibiotic medication and regular checkups after by the dentist to reduce any further spreading of the disease.