Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, affects millions of people. You may think that swollen or bleeding gums are normal when brushing or flossing, but it’s actually a sign that you may have a dental issue that needs to be addressed. Your Mesquite, TX, dentist wants to help you with all your oral health needs, and we want to equip you with the information you need about gum disease.
What Is Gum Disease?
Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is an infection that affects your gums and can cause extensive damage, tooth loss, or jawbone deterioration. Gum disease is usually caused by poor oral hygiene, which is preventable if you follow proper hygiene techniques and regularly visit your dental professional.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Gum Disease?
There are several telltale signs that you may be suffering from gum disease. The signs and symptoms you should be looking for are as follows:
- Bleeding gums
- Swollen or tender gums
- Tooth sensitivity
- Loose teeth
- Receding gums
- Pain while chewing
- Persistent bad breath
What Are the Different Types of Gum Disease?
There are five stages of gum disease, ranging from bleeding gums to advanced periodontitis. You should know to look for the following types of gum disease:
1. Bleeding – If you notice your gums bleeding when you brush and floss, it could be the earliest sign of gum disease.
2. Gingivitis – The second stage of gum disease is gingivitis, and the main symptoms are painful and swollen gums, as well as persistent bad breath. The increased plaque along your gumline may cause increased bleeding.
3. Early periodontitis – At this third stage of gum disease, the plaque that has formed around your gumline begins to harden and turn to tartar. At this stage of gum disease, tooth decay can occur quickly, and you may start to experience jawbone damage.
4. Moderate periodontitis – If your gum disease advances to this fourth stage, you likely have gum recession and increased soreness. Your teeth may begin to loosen and decay, and your jaw may also become infected. This stage of gum disease is very serious.
5. Advanced periodontitis – The final stage of gum disease will likely cause you to lose teeth or at least experience looser teeth, as well as chronic pain. Your dentist in Mesquite, TX, needs to intervene immediately to help with the infection.
Gum Disease Treatment
Depending on the severity of your gum disease, we can offer you treatment options to help get your oral hygiene back on track. The following treatments are available for periodontal disease:
Professional cleaning – When you visit our dental office for a routine exam and cleaning twice a year, we will remove the plaque and tartar at your gumline. We can remove plaque and tartar that your toothbrush can’t, so regular visits to our dental office are imperative.
Scaling and planing – If you require further treatment for gum disease, we will perform a deep cleaning procedure known as scaling and planing. Scaling is the process of removing plaque and tartar from your teeth, while planing is the process that helps your gums heal and reattach.
How to Prevent Gum Disease
Although gum disease can be serious if left untreated, it is also preventable if you follow these guidelines:
- Brush your teeth twice a day.
- Floss your teeth daily.
- Visit your dental professional for regular exams and dental cleanings.
- If you smoke, try to quit.
How Can Gum Disease Hurt Your Health if Left Untreated?
You may not realize that gum disease does not just affect your oral health; it can be harmful to your overall health as well. Research has connected gum disease to several health concerns, including the following:
- Heart disease – Your cardiovascular system is directly linked to your mouth, teeth, and gums. If your gums are swollen, excess bacteria can enter your bloodstream and the arteries of your heart. When this happens, your arteries may thicken, leading to a greater chance of a stroke or heart attack.
- Diabetes – If you have diabetes, your oral health is extremely important because gum disease can lead to poor blood sugar levels. Controlling your blood sugar levels can also be more difficult if you have gum disease.
- Dementia – Your cognition may be linked to gum disease. Conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia may be caused when oral bacteria travels to the brain, causing an immune response that can alter the brain’s structure.
- Tissue and bone loss – If you have advanced periodontitis, it’s possible you can lose teeth and bone density. Your jawbone can become brittle and fragile, making it difficult to eat and talk.
Do You Need Gum Disease Treatment in Mesquite, TX?
If you or a family member want to learn more about gum disease prevention or periodontal treatment, Fresh 32 Family Dentistry is ready to take your call. We want you to have a healthy mouth and a beautiful smile, so call our dental office at (469) 730-0090.