Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is a prevalent yet usually neglected oral condition that impacts millions of individuals globally. It varies from mild gum inflammation (gingivitis) to severe infection that harms soft tissue and annihilates the bone that supports your teeth. If not treated, gum disease may cause tooth loss and is even connected with other medical issues such as heart disease and diabetes. Knowing the signs, reasons, and gum disease treatment in Rancho Cucamonga is critical to having good oral and general health.
Symptoms of Gum Disease
Gum disease can start without any signs. Many people don't feel pain or discomfort during the initial stage. Yet, the following signs need to be looked out for:
- Red, swollen, or sensitive gums.
- Bleeding when brushing or flossing.
- Having persistent bad breath or a lingering taste in the mouth.
- Receding gums (teeth look longer than normal).
- Loose or moving teeth.
- Pus between the gums and teeth.
If you notice any of these symptoms, you should visit a dentist as soon as possible. Early diagnosis can halt the disease from advancing and save your teeth from permanent damage.
Causes of Gum Disease
Gum disease is primarily caused by plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on teeth. When plaque isn't removed through proper brushing and flossing, it hardens into tartar, which is much more difficult to remove and can irritate the gums.
Several factors can increase your risk of developing gum disease:
- Poor oral hygiene.
- Smoking or chewing tobacco.
- Diabetes.
- Hormonal changes (such as during pregnancy or menopause).
- Certain medications (that reduce saliva flow).
- Genetics.
- Stress.
All these factors, or some of them, either help bring about the accumulation of bacteria or compromise the ability of your body to resist infection, providing a fertile ground for gum disease to develop.
Treatment Options for Gum Disease
The treatment of gum disease is based on several stages of the condition. The earlier it is detected, the simpler it is to cure.
- Professional Cleaning (Scaling and Root Planing)
If your gum disease is in the initial stage (gingivitis), your dentist might suggest a deep cleaning procedure. Scaling eliminates plaque and tartar from both above and below the gum line, and root planing smoothes the tooth roots' rough areas to avoid further buildup.
- Medications
Your dentist may prescribe antimicrobial mouth rinses, antibiotics, or other medications to keep infection under control and aid healing in some instances.
- Surgical Treatments
For periodontitis (advanced gum disease), surgery can be required:
- Flap surgery: The gums are pushed back to excise tartar, and then sewn tightly around the tooth.
- Bone and tissue grafts: These are used to regenerate lost bone or gum tissue as a result of periodontitis.
- Laser surgery: Some dentists remove diseased tissue using lasers with less pain and quicker healing.
- Maintenance
Following treatment, good oral hygiene and regular dental visits are crucial. Your dentist in Rancho Cucamonga might suggest more frequent cleanings to prevent the disease from recurring.
Prevention of Gum Disease
Prevention is cheaper than a cure. To decrease your chances of gum disease:
- Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice daily.
- Floss once a day to remove plaque between teeth.
- Visit your dentist for check-ups and professional cleaning regularly.
- Avoid tobacco products.
- Maintain a balanced diet to promote gum health.
While gum disease can be problematic, it's also highly preventable and curable if treated early. Learning about the signs and symptoms and available treatments will allow you to take charge of your oral care and have a healthy, confident smile for decades.