Periodontal Disease: The Important Facts Every Person Should Know
Safeguarding your smile requires more effort than only ensuring that your teeth are white and even. The gums are an integral aspect of your oral health, in addition to your general wellbeing. Since many people might think their gums are in good condition, they are often surprised when they discover an issue. Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a harmful condition that deteriorates the gums that surround the teeth. The disease's symptoms, for the most part, occur without pain. Numerous tests have shown a link between gum disease and other health concerns, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, strokes, and certain cancers, including tooth loss.
Despite this, there is good news: Gum disease can be avoided with proper oral care. The most effective method to battle gum disease is to seek out dental care from talented dental professionals, like the team at MINT dentistry in Love Field. Our practitioners have extensive knowledge and training in the field of periodontal dentistry to detect various issues and manage gum disease.
THE BASIC FACTS YOU MUST UNDERSTAND REGARDING PERIODONTAL DISEASE
Often called gum disease, periodontal disease is, in simplest terms, an infection in the gum tissue. Your gumline is the oral tissue that works to secure your teeth in their appropriate positions. Ineffective oral hygiene can cause a sticky bacteria known as plaque to develop and calcify around the gum tissue. Although toothbrushing and flossing should remove a portion of the problem, plaque that's not cleared up will develop into tartar and stick onto your teeth. Only a biannual cleaning performed by a dental practitioner or dental assistant can efficiently get rid of tartar.
If gathered on the teeth, tartar and bacteria work in tandem to cause a moderate type of periodontal disease that we call gingivitis. Gingivitis comes about as plaque builds up on teeth and causes the surrounding gum tissue to become red and puffy. Tartar creates toxins that impact the gums, making them discolored and puffy and, typically, resulting in bleeding.
As gum disease evolves without care, more severe phases of periodontal disease may cause sore and bleeding gums, discomfort when chewing, and, possibly, tooth loss. That’s why it's vital to diagnose and manage gum disease before infection spreads throughout your other oral structures.
PERIODONTAL DISEASE RED FLAGS TO KNOW
The ideal gums should be taut, pink, and fit snugly around your teeth. The beginning signs of gum disease are often difficult to detect by the average patient. It is important to arrange routine sessions with the dentists at MINT dentistry in Love Field. Our team can determine the early markers of gum disease during biannual cleanings and dental examinations. Symptoms of infected gums include swelling, discoloration, tenderness, bleeding, detachment from the tooth, extra spaces around your teeth, bad breath, loose teeth, problems biting, and inconsistencies with your dental alignment.
PATIENTS WITH PERIODONTAL DISEASE HAVE ACCESS TO SEVERAL ADVANCED CARE SOLUTIONS
As individuals reach the more advanced stages of periodontal disease, they could require surgical solutions. Our dentists in Dallas, TX provide many surgical gum treatments, including gum grafts, gingival flap surgery, and more.
Gum disease often causes the gumline to diminish, which will expose a portion of the tooth's roots. To restore the gums, our dentists may perform a gum grafting surgery. Most often, your own connective tissue is used to carry out this service. The grafted tissue is removed from the palate and placed with your gumline, which will address the root exposure.
Gum surgery could benefit individuals in Dallas, TX with advanced periodontitis. Depending on the phase of your condition, there are three techniques we will likely incorporate: gingival flap surgery, gingivectomy, or gingivoplasty. Gingival flap surgery repositions the gum tissue away from the teeth to show the tooth roots and permit our dentist to evaluate your situation. Once this is done, our dentist will carry out a deep cleaning to remove plaque and some damaged tissue. The relocated gum tissue is then repositioned and stitched back into the correct location. Meanwhile, a gingivectomy removes and alters a section of the seriously diseased tissue. This treatment is typically saved for people whose condition is more intense. Lastly, a gingivoplasty is thought of as a cosmetic dental procedure that improves and repositions your gums once your gum disease has been managed to ensure a more attractive look.
PREVENT GUM DISEASE BY IMPLEMENTING THESE FIVE STEPS
The most proper method to prevent gum disease is to build up a good, consistent oral hygiene regimen. Obeying this general set of rules could help guarantee that your bright smile stays healthy for many years:
Flossing your teeth is important for excellent oral care.
Flossing no less than once a day will help eliminate germs that could be trapped in between your teeth. Brushing your teeth is an important part of your oral health routine. However, doing so every day still might not really clean every crevice.
Adults and children must clean their teeth at least twice each day.
Patients who clean their teeth after mealtimes help to eradicate plaque and buildup trapped in between their gums and teeth. It's also critical not to overlook the tongue. Gently use your toothbrush to cleanse your tongue, as this may eliminate excess bacteria.
Make use of toothpaste and mouth rinses with fluoride.
People find it difficult to know which dental hygiene products are the most effective. When browsing, seek out a fluoride toothpaste and mouth rinse. If used in conjunction, the two products can extend how long it takes for food particles and tartar to thicken on the teeth.
Be sure you visit your dental practitioner two times yearly.
Schedule visits with your dentist twice a year for oral health exams and professional cleanings. Dental evaluations allow the team at MINT dentistry in Love Field to diagnose issues like gingivitis when they first arise. For those with dental fears, our Dallas, TX facility utilizes many sedation techniques to soothe your nerves. This way, you can have your assessments and professional cleanings without difficulty.
Forego tobacco use.
Individuals who consume tobacco products (like dipping, cigars, or vaping) are more likely to wind up with periodontal disease and oral cancer. Tobacco usage is detrimental to the immune system. This can make it tougher on your body to battle diseases and bounce back afterward.
GUARD YOUR GUMLINE FROM DISEASE AND DETERIORATION
Proper oral care is critical in the war against gum disease. Look for a dentist you trust, and make sure to visit their office twice a year for oral assessments and cleanings. At MINT dentistry in Love Field, our dental professionals are skilled at preventing, detecting, and treating gum disease, in addition to various other periodontal wellness problems. Get in touch with our office today to set up a one-on-one and start your journey toward your best oral health.