Did you know that almost half of the adults in the United States suffer from some form of gum disease? In its earliest stages, it is known as gingivitis. If it is left untreated, it will become a much more serious form of the disease called periodontitis. If the problem is not addressed, gum disease can result in lost teeth and damage to your jawbone. Gum disease can also have serious ramifications for other medical conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease.
Many people are unaware that they have gum disease because at its onset, it is painless. Other symptoms include gums that bleed when you brush and floss, loose teeth, chronic bad breath, and gums that are swollen red, tender and have pulled away from your teeth.
The most prevalent cause of gum disease is a buildup of plaque on your gums. As plaque increases, your gums react by swelling, which allows more plaque and tartar to build up below the gumline, which could lead to an infection. Smoking and tobacco use can also contribute to the problem.
The best treatment for gum disease is prevention. Brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, and flossing once a day will go a long way to fighting gum disease. The importance of regular dental visits can’t be stressed enough. Your dentist can remove the plaque and tartar missed by your brush, and can look for the signs of gum disease.
Gum disease can be treated with medication, and when necessary, with surgery. Sometimes, you can effectively fight it by changes to your lifestyle and your oral healthcare routine. One way to deal with gum disease is through two processes known as planing and root scaling. These procedures take two visits to your dentist, and may require the use of a local anesthetic. In planing, the dentist uses a tool to remove the plaque and tartar from your teeth above and below the gumline. In root scaling, the dentist will clean and smooth the roots of your tooth.
If you have noticed the signs of gum disease, or if it just time for your regular cleaning and exam, call Great Neck Dental Care in Great Neck, New York at 516-717-4729 to make an appointment to see Dr. Behnam Y. Moghadasian. We look forward to helping you get started down the road to better oral health.