Should You Seek Periodontal Treatment If Afflicted by Gum Disease?

If you are afflicted by periodontal disease it will be imperative for you to seek periodontal treatment to get over this chronic inflammatory disease that can destroy the bone and gum tissues supporting your teeth. This is a condition that affects many Americans and has been attributed as a major cause for adult tooth loss.

Gingivitis is a mild and common form of gum disease that can cause irritation, redness, and swelling of the gingiva which is the part of the gum around the base of the teeth. It is important to consider gingivitis as a concerning issue and treat it at the earliest. Gingivitis can progress to a more concerning gum disease known as periodontitis leading to tooth loss.

Gingivitis is routinely caused by poor oral hygiene. Good oral hygiene habits like brushing at least twice a day for two minutes each, flossing every day and visiting the dentist for regular checkups can help to prevent or even reverse gingivitis. However, if it has progressed to a concerning condition you will need to get periodontal treatment as soon as possible.

What Are the Symptoms of Gum Disease?

Healthy gums are pale pink and firm and fit tightly around your teeth. The symptoms of gingivitis include the following:

• Gums that bleed when brushing and flossing.
• Bad breath.
• Dark red or dusky red gums.
• Puffy or swollen gums.
• Receding or tender gums.

If you observe any signs and symptoms of gingivitis it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with the Manalapan periodontist. The sooner you seek professional care the better it will be for you to reversing any damage caused by gingivitis and preventing its progress to periodontitis.

What Are the Causes of Gingivitis?

Poor oral hygiene is the most common cause of gingivitis because it encourages plaque to develop on the teeth to cause inflammation on the surrounding gum tissues. Plaque is an invisible layer of a sticky film comprising of bacteria that develops on your teeth when the sugars and starches in the food you had, interact with the bacteria in your mouth. Plaque must be removed every day because it constantly develops.

The plaque which is allowed to remain on your teeth can harden below the gum line into tartar which collects bacteria. Tartar makes it more difficult to remove plaque by creating a protective shield for the bacteria and causes irritation around the gum line. You will need professional dental cleaning to remove tartar.

The longer plaque and tartar are allowed to remain on your teeth, the part around your gum at the base of the teeth becomes irritated to cause inflammation. With time your gums begin to bleed easily and swollen. Dental caries may also be a result of this condition. When it is left untreated gingivitis can progress to periodontitis to eventually cause tooth loss.

Complications Associated with Gum Disease

Gingivitis, when left untreated, can progress to a condition that spreads to the underlying tissue and bone to cause periodontitis which is a concerning condition that can lead to tooth loss.

Chronic inflammation of the gingiva is believed to be associated with systemic diseases like diabetes, respiratory disease, coronary artery disease, stroke, and rheumatoid arthritis. Research has suggested that bacteria responsible for periodontitis can find its way to the bloodstream through the gum tissue and may affect your heart, lungs, and other parts of the body. However, more research is needed to confirm a definitive link.

Necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis also called trench mouth is a severe condition of gingivitis causing painful and infected bleeding gums and ulcerations. Developed countries rarely see trench mouth which is common in developing countries that have poor nutrition and living conditions.

Periodontal Treatment Offered by Professionals

Dentists offering periodontal treatment in Manalapan will be reviewing your dental and medical history and any conditions that may contribute to your symptoms. Your teeth, gums, mouth, and tongue will be examined for signs of plaque and inflammation. Depending upon the severity of your condition you may be offered nonsurgical and surgical periodontal treatments. Gingivitis can be cleared with a professional cleaning from the Manalapan periodontist and if you maintain good oral hygiene at home you can successfully overcome this condition. Your dentist will help you to plan an effective program and also schedule regular professional checkups and cleanings to ensure gingivitis doesn’t affect you again. If you are consistent with your oral hygiene routine at home you should be able to see healthy gum tissue within a few days or weeks.