Gum Disease: The Main Signs Each Person Needs To Know
Looking after your smile requires more work than merely making sure your teeth are shiny and well-aligned. The gums are an integral part of your oral health, in addition to your general health. Since most individuals may think their gums are in good condition, they are typically startled if they are alerted to a problem. Gum disease, also referred to as periodontal disease, is a serious condition that impacts the gums that surround an individual's teeth, and its symptoms usually occur without discomfort. Numerous studies have discovered a link between gum disease and different health concerns, like diabetes, heart disease, strokes, and different cancers, as well as tooth loss.
However, we have good news: Gum disease can be prevented with professional oral care. The most effective method to battle periodontal disease is to receive dental care from skilled dental practitioners, like the staff at MINT dentistry in DeSoto. Our dentists have thorough know-how and skills in the area of periodontal dentistry to diagnose a number of concerns and treat gum disease.
THE ESSENTIAL POINTS YOU NEED TO KNOW REGARDING GUM DISEASE
Often called gum disease, periodontal disease is known as an infection in the gums. Your gumline is the pink-colored tissue that serves to retain your teeth in their ideal placements. Poor dental care could cause a fuzzy-feeling bacteria known as plaque to gather and calcify along the gum tissue. Although brushing and flossing might eliminate some of the bacteria, plaque that's not eliminated will develop into tartar and stick onto your teeth. Only a biannual cleaning done by a dental practitioner or dental hygienist can completely remove tartar.
When left on the enamel, tartar and food particles operate alongside one another to cause the initial form of periodontal disease that we call gingivitis. Gingivitis comes about when plaque gathers on the enamel and prompts the nearby gums to become red and puffy. Tartar produces toxins that negatively affect the gums, causing them to become tender and puffy and, typically, causing bleeding.
If gum disease continuously develops with no treatment, more serious phases of periodontal disease will often result in sore and bleeding gum tissue, difficulty chewing, and, potentially, missing teeth. This is why it's vital to detect and address gum disease before the bacteria spreads throughout your other oral structures.
GUM DISEASE RED FLAGS TO LOOK OUT FOR
Well-cared-for gums are firm, pinkish, and fit comfortably around your teeth. The beginning indicators of periodontal disease are generally hard to detect by the typical individual. It is vital to set up routine sessions with our dental professionals at MINT dentistry in DeSoto. Our team will work to detect the early warning signs of gum disease during biannual teeth cleanings and dental evaluations. Signs of damaged gums include puffiness, discoloration, sensitivity, bleeding, pulling away from the tooth, excess spaces around your teeth, halitosis, loose teeth, difficulty chewing, and changes in your dental alignment.
INDIVIDUALS WITH PERIODONTAL DISEASE CAN RECEIVE SEVERAL SURGICAL TREATMENT OPTIONS
When individuals get to the later phases of periodontal disease, they may need surgical solutions. The dental professionals in DeSoto, TX can perform several advanced gum procedures, including gum grafting, gingival flap surgery, and more.
Periodontal disease regularly forces the gum tissue to weaken, which will reveal a section of the tooth's roots. To revive your gum tissue, our team may offer a gum graft treatment. Usually, self-donated connective tissue is implemented to complete this procedure. The grafted sample is borrowed from the roof of your mouth and moved to your gums, which will address the root exposure.
Gum surgery should help people in DeSoto, TX with progressive periodontitis. Based on the phase of your condition, there are a few methods we can incorporate: gingival flap surgery, gingivectomy, or gingivoplasty. Gingival flap surgery pulls the gum tissue away from the teeth to expose the roots and enable our dental practitioner to evaluate your condition. After this, we will perform a deep cleaning to clear out tartar and excess deteriorated tissue. The separated gum tissue will then be addressed and stitched back into the correct place. Meanwhile, a gingivectomy removes and alters a portion of the significantly diseased tissue. This option is commonly done for those whose condition has progressed. Finally, a gingivoplasty is, at times, a cosmetic dental service that improves and reshapes the affected gum tissues once your periodontal disease has been treated to create a more attractive appearance.
EVADE GUM DISEASE WITH THESE SIMPLE PRACTICES
The surest method to avoid gum disease is to learn an excellent home-based oral health regimen. Following this comprehensive set of rules can help guarantee that your shining smile lasts for years to come:
Flossing is important for excellent oral health.
Flossing your teeth a minimum of once daily or nightly is necessary to help eliminate tartar that could be packed in between your teeth. Brushing your teeth is a required aspect of your oral health routine, but it still won't reach every crevice.
You should brush your teeth at least two times every day.
People who brush their teeth after eating help to eliminate tartar and buildup wedged in between their gums and teeth. It's just as vital not to forget about your tongue. You should use your soft-bristled brush to scrub your tongue — doing so may eliminate excess bacteria.
Purchase toothpaste and mouthwash with fluoride.
Men and women alike find it challenging to know which oral health products are the most effective. While shopping, select a fluoride-based toothpaste and mouthwash. When combined, the two dental products will slow how long it takes for food particles and plaque to build up on the teeth.
Ensure that you visit your dental practitioner twice annually.
Plan consultations with your dental practitioner two times each year for oral health evaluations and cleanings. Dental exams enable the team at MINT dentistry in DeSoto to detect issues like gingivitis when they first occur. For individuals with dental fears, our DeSoto, TX office provides several sedation techniques to ease your nerves. This way, you can receive your exams and cleanings with ease.
Eliminate tobacco use.
Those who consume tobacco products (like dipping, cigarettes, or vaping) are at a higher risk to end up with gum disease and certain cancers. Tobacco usage affects your immune system, which makes it less easy on your body to fend off diseases and heal later on.
PROTECT YOUR GUM TISSUE FROM HARMFUL BACTERIA AND DETERIORATION
Preventive dental treatment is necessary for the battle against periodontal disease. Choose a dentist you trust, and make sure to pay a visit to their office two times a year for checkups and cleanings. At MINT dentistry in DeSoto, we are skilled at preventing, identifying, and treating gum disease, as well as various other dental wellness concerns. Contact our practice to schedule an appointment and begin your path toward your best oral health.