Gum Disease Treatment

Many people don’t realize how important it is to brush and floss your teeth on a daily basis. According to the Center for Disease Control, nearly half of all adults over the age of thirty have some form of periodontal disease. Periodontal disease has been linked to other serious health conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease. Having good oral hygiene is beneficial to your overall health and well-being.

Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease. Gingivitis is caused by the buildup of plaque along the gum line. Unless you brush and floss your teeth on a daily basis, plaque will quickly build up and harden. This plaque contains millions of bacteria that causes irritation, swelling and bleeding of the gums. Normally, your gums are a coral pink color. If you have gingivitis, your gums will be red, swollen, and bleed easily. Also, your gums will tend to bleed when you brush and floss. Fortunately at this stage, gingivitis can easily be treated with the help of your family dentist.

If gingivitis is left untreated, it can develop into a more serious condition called periodontitis. At this point, the fibers and bone supporting your teeth have been irreversibly damaged. Deep pockets in the bone form under the gums, which traps bacteria, food, and plaque. You may also develop recession of the gums. It is very important to seek treatment as soon as possible to prevent further damage to your teeth and gums.

Advanced periodontitis is the most severe form of gum disease. When periodontal disease is left untreated, plaque and bacteria continue to break down the structures supporting your teeth. Your teeth can become loose, shift in your mouth, or even fall out. This can seriously affect the way you chew, talk, and swallow. At this point, it is very important to seek treatment from a dentist as soon as possible in order to save as many of your teeth as you can.