If your dentist has diagnosed you with gum disease, you should seek treatment right away. If you do not address this problem quickly, it can become increasingly more serious. The faster you identify this condition, the more likely you are to treat it effectively. With the right intervention at the right time, you can reverse its effects. However, if it continues to develop, the consequences will be irreversible.
At its early stages, this condition is called gingivitis. This is inflammation of the gums as a result of bacteria-causing plaque. Gums will bleed with this condition, usually during brushing but sometimes while the individual eats. Gingivitis can progress to periodontal disease. At this point, the gums begin to pull away from the teeth and form pockets. Infection can then grow in these spaces, affecting other systems of the body.
A person will usually know they have gum disease by recognizing various clues. Along with inflammation and bleeding, there may be redness in the gums. People with periodontal disease often have bad breath because of the bacteria, which release toxins. Gums will also shrink, and the teeth can become sensitive. Another sign of the condition is that the teeth may become loose or shift.
It is critical to treat gum disease before it turns into periodontitis. Periodontal disease is not reversible, but gingivitis is. The dentist will first start by thoroughly cleaning the gums. Using dental tools, the dentist or hygienist will scrape away plaque and tartar from below the gumline. The dentist may also do something called root planning, which is the smoothing of the surfaces of the tooth roots.
Patients with gingivitis should also be more diligent about brushing and flossing. Brushing at least twice a day and flossing daily can help turn back this condition. People of all ages should also visit the dentist every six months. If the patient shows signs of gum disease, more frequent visits may be necessary.
While periodontal disease is not curable, it is controllable. Other treatments can help with this along with reversing gingivitis. These include antibiotics, which can kill the bacteria. This medication can come in pill or gel form. The dentist may even choose to do a gum graft or flap surgery.
Gum disease can have severe consequences. If a dentist does not begin to treat it, the patient could suffer bone loss and tooth loss. The bacteria can get into the bloodstream and move throughout the body. People with this condition can have cardiovascular troubles. Stroked and heart attacks are not uncommon in patients with periodontal disease.
Tooth decay is not the only problem you should worry about when it comes to your oral health. Gum disease can be a concern for your teeth and for other areas of your body. Talk to your dentist today about treating this condition. Do something about it before it is too late to cure.
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