Gum Disease: The Main Signs Each Man And Woman Should Know
Caring for your smile involves more work than only ensuring that your teeth are bright and even. Your gums are a significant aspect of your dental health and your general wellbeing. Because many individuals may assume their gums are in good condition, they are usually surprised when they are alerted to an issue. Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is a harmful condition that affects the gums that surround the teeth. The disease's symptoms generally occur without pain. Many studies have shown a connection between gum disease and seemingly unrelated health issues, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, strokes, and specific cancers, in addition to tooth loss.
However, we have exciting news: Periodontal disease can be prevented with routine oral care. The simplest method to battle gum disease is to receive dental care from skilled dental practitioners, like the staff at MINT dentistry in North Richland Hills. Our dentists have thorough know-how and expertise in the field of periodontal dentistry to uncover a number of conditions and treat gum disease.
THE IMPORTANT POINTS YOU SHOULD KNOW REGARDING PERIODONTAL DISEASE
Frequently referred to as gum disease, periodontal disease is an infection of the gumline. Your gumline is the oral tissue that works to hold your teeth in their appropriate positions. Poor dental health might lead a fuzzy-feeling substance known as plaque to build up and harden around the gum tissue. Although toothbrushing and flossing could eliminate a portion of the bacteria, plaque that's not cleaned away will turn into tartar and harden onto your teeth. Only a dental cleaning performed by a dentist or dental assistant can properly get rid of tartar.
While gathered on the enamel, tartar and bacteria operate as a pair to bring about the first form of gum disease called gingivitis. Gingivitis arises when plaque collects on the enamel and encourages the surrounding gum tissue to become red and puffy. Plaque creates toxins that irritate your gum tissues, leading them to become red and swollen and, commonly, leading to bleeding.
As periodontal disease progresses without management, more severe stages of gum disease will often result in painful and bleeding gum tissue, difficulty chewing, and, potentially, tooth loss. That’s why it's critical to detect and manage gum disease before the inflammation travels around your other oral structures.
PERIODONTAL DISEASE RED FLAGS TO LOOK OUT FOR
Healthy gums should be taut, pink, and fit comfortably around your teeth. The initial indicators of periodontal disease are usually difficult to recognize by the typical patient. It is important to schedule routine visits with the dental professionals at MINT dentistry in North Richland Hills. Our dentists will work to determine the initial warning signs of gum disease during routine teeth cleanings and dental examinations. Symptoms of inflamed gums include swelling, discoloration, sensitivity, bleeding, disconnection from the tooth, extra spaces between your teeth, bad breath, missing teeth, issues with chewing, and changes in your alignment.
INDIVIDUALS WITH PERIODONTAL DISEASE CAN RECEIVE A VARIETY OF SURGICAL TREATMENT OPTIONS
As individuals get to the more progressive degrees of gum disease, they will usually need surgical procedures. The dentists in North Richland Hills, TX offer several surgical gum treatments, including gum grafting, gingival flap surgery, and more.
Gum disease frequently forces the gumline to recede, which will reveal a portion of the roots of the teeth. To fix your gumline, our team may perform a gum graft surgery. Typically, self-donated connective tissue is implemented for this surgery. The grafted tissue will be removed from the palate and reattached to your gumline, which reduces the tooth root exposure.
Periodontal surgery should benefit people in North Richland Hills, TX with the later phases of periodontitis. Depending on the degree of your condition, there is a selection of techniques we may incorporate: gingival flap surgery, gingivectomy, and gingivoplasty. Gingival flap surgery lifts the gums away from the tooth to show the roots and enable our dentist to determine your situation. Once this is done, our dentist will do a deep cleaning to eradicate plaque and any deteriorated tissue. The relocated tissue will then be reshaped and stitched back into the right place. Meanwhile, a gingivectomy removes and remolds a portion of the significantly diseased gum tissue. This treatment is commonly saved for people whose situation is further along. Finally, a gingivoplasty is thought of as a cosmetic dental operation that improves and reshapes your gums after your periodontal disease has been addressed to create a more attractive look.
AVOID PERIODONTAL DISEASE USING THESE FIVE STEPS
The most effective method to prevent gum disease is to discover a good home-based oral health routine. Obeying this convenient set of rules can help ensure that your unique smile lasts a long time:
Flossing is essential for your best dental wellness.
Flossing your teeth at least once daily or nightly is necessary to help clear away food particles that could be packed in between your teeth. Brushing your teeth is an important aspect of your oral health routine. Nonetheless doing so every day still won't reach every crevice.
Patients must brush their teeth a minimum of twice each day.
Individuals who clean their teeth after meals help to remove plaque and bacteria lodged in between their gum tissue and teeth. It's also crucial not to forget about your tongue. It's good to utilize your soft-bristled toothbrush to scrub your tongue, as this will get rid of excess bacteria.
Purchase toothpaste and mouthwash with fluoride.
Many think it's difficult to learn which oral health products are the most beneficial. While browsing, look for a fluoride-based toothpaste and mouth rinse. When implemented jointly, the two products will extend how long it takes for germs and tartar to build up on the teeth.
Make it a goal to visit your dental care provider two times every year.
Schedule checkups with your dental practitioner two times annually for dental health evaluations and cleanings. Oral examinations allow the team at MINT dentistry in North Richland Hills to diagnose issues like periodontal disease when they initially develop. For patients with dental fears, our North Richland Hills, TX office uses many sedation options to calm your nerves so you can have your checkups and professional cleanings with ease.
Quit your tobacco products.
Individuals who consume tobacco products (like dipping, cigarettes, or e-cigarettes) are at a higher risk to wind up with gum disease and oral cancer. Tobacco consumption affects the immune system, making it less easy for your body to battle diseases and recover later on.
PROTECT YOUR GUM TISSUE FROM DISEASE AND RECESSION
Preventive oral care is essential for the battle against periodontal disease. Find a dental professional you trust, and be sure to check in at their office two times a year for examinations and professional cleanings. At MINT dentistry in North Richland Hills, our team is capable of preventing, detecting, and improving gum disease, as well as countless other oral wellness issues. Get in touch with our team today to arrange a one-on-one and take off on your journey toward optimal dental health.