A Complete Guide to Gum Disease and Its Impact
Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss among adults in the United States, with nearly half the population suffering from some level of periodontitis.
Understanding the signs, symptoms, and consequences of periodontal disease will hopefully encourage you to seek dental care when you need it and get the necessary gum disease treatment to make your mouth healthy again.
Signs of Gum Disease
Gum disease is a serious infection that can damage your gums and your teeth, impacting your appearance and ability to speak clearly and eat comfortably. When there is an overgrowth of bacteria in the mouth, the infection that develops can eat away at the bone that supports your teeth and also damage the soft tissue around your teeth.
Over time, the teeth and gums will separate from each other, forming pockets that can fill up with bacteria. Left untreated, the disease will continue to grow in intensity and severity, eventually leading to teeth that are loose in their sockets and fall out.
You may not notice early signs of periodontitis, but your Fort Lauderdale dentist will. Here are some signs of periodontal disease:
- Irritated gums
- Swollen gums
- Bleeding gums
- Tender gums
- Red gums
- Bad breath
- Loose teeth
- Gum recession
Treatment of Gum Disease
Periodontitis must be aggressively treated to stop the problem in its tracks and prevent it from spreading. There are a few different ways to treat gum disease, including the following methods:
Non-surgical LANAP laser dentistry is the gentlest way to handle this oral health problem. LANAP is considered a true method of periodontal regeneration that enables the reattachment of gum tissues and new bone growth. The procedure is more comfortable for the patient and recovery much faster.
Preventing Periodontal Disease
Some people simply have the DNA makeup that makes them more likely to develop periodontal disease. However, there are many things you can do to prevent yourself from developing any stage of gum disease.
See your Fort Lauderdale dentist regularly.
Preventive care will help keep this problem at bay by ensuring that your teeth and gums are thoroughly cleaned by a professional. And at every dental visit you have an opportunity for gum disease to be caught early if signs are present.
Brush and floss.
Taking care of your teeth at home is key since plaque is the leading cause of gum disease. Brush twice a day and floss once a day.
Eliminate bad habits.
The worst bad habits for your teeth are not cleaning them and not seeing the dentist. But if you smoke, you’re upping your risk of gum disease. Grinding your teeth is also a problem, but it can be addressed with help from your Fort Lauderdale dentist.
Review your medications.
If you are taking a medicine that is responsible for reduced saliva production, a dry mouth creates an environment ripe for bacteria to grow. Talk to your doctor about alternatives to your meds, if possible, and discuss how to combat this danger with your dentist so your mouth can stay moist and healthy.
Commit to Your Oral Health
Periodontal disease always starts small. It takes time to grow. Because of this, it should be easy to keep the problem at bay if you see your dentist every six months as you should for a cleaning and check-up. Your exam includes a review of your mouth for symptoms of gum disease, so any problems can be addressed immediately. Your dentist will review the color of your gums, check for bleeding and firmness of the gums, and look for any pockets that might be developing between the teeth and gums.
Our skilled and competent hygienists at Premier Smile Center in Fort Lauderdale deliver gentle, thorough cleanings using the latest procedures and advanced equipment. Gum disease won’t go away on its own. Allow us to help you get healthy. Contact us today for an appointment.