Periodontal (gum) Disease
Periodontal (gum) Disease
Dr. Nugent busting Myths about Periodontal Disease.
Gingivitis
There is no polite way to say it: bacteria are everywhere in our mouths. Plaque, a sticky substance made of bacteria and other particles, coats the teeth if you don’t brush and floss properly and on a frequent basis.
When plaque is not removed, the body’s immune system responds to it and causes inflammation of the gums. Gums that are inflamed frequently appear redder and puffier than usual, and they frequently bleed when you brush or floss. In as little as two weeks.
‘Gingiva’ and ‘itis’ are the two parts of the term “gingivitis.” The Latin word “itis,” which means inflammation, refers to the gingiva, which are the gums. Thus, gingivitis literally means gum inflammation.
Cleaning your own teeth properly is harder than it seems because you can’t look into your own mouth to detect plaque, especially when it’s full with toothpaste. To perform it well, most people need some guidance. The majority of people have some gingivitis in their mouths.
If plaque isn’t removed, it starts to harden and transform into calculus (also known as tartar). There are two varieties of calculus, which is a hardened buildup on your teeth.
‘Supragingival’ calculus, which may be seen on the bottom front teeth of those with good saliva, develops in those people. It develops from minerals in your saliva and has a creamy yellow color. Your dentist or hygienist can easily remove this kind of calculus.
The more dangerous variety, referred to as “subgingival calculus,” develops beneath the gum and is black in color. Even for a dentist, it may be difficult to identify because you can’t see it. As a result, total removal is quite challenging. Due to the presence of blood when your gums are inflamed, it is black in color. The presence of black subgingival calculus is typically a sign of one of the more severe forms of gum disease. Read more in the section after this one.
Given that gingivitis typically causes little pain, its symptoms can be simple to ignore. Too frequently, individuals attribute it to brushing too vigorously. However, bleeding gums are a red flag that should never be disregarded.
Simple fact: bleeding is not a sign of healthy gums.
The only stage of gum disease that can be reversed is gingivitis. Your dentist or periodontist can help you treat it and have your gums entirely healthy once more. Maintaining good dental hygiene at home and getting regular checkups and cleanings will help avoid it.
I have bleeding gums, it is no big deal. FALSE
One of the first signs of periodontal disease is red, swollen and bleeding gums. Dr. Nugent recommends that if you notice bleeding while brushing or flossing that you schedule a dental appointment. Periodontal disease leads to tooth loss. Furthermore, gum disease can contributes to heart disease and diabetes
I don’t need to floss every day. FALSE
Good oral hygiene includes brushing your teeth three times a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing twice a day. Adding a mouth wash like Listerine to your routine helps kill bacteria in your mouth. Good and consistent oral hygiene is the best way to prevent gum disease
When a tooth is lost due to gum disease, the tooth is lost forever. FALSE
Periodontal (gum) disease is the major cause of tooth loss in adults. More people over the age of 30 lose teeth due to gum disease than to trauma or decay. If a tooth is lost dental implants are a convenient and comfortable way to permanently replace missing teeth. Dental implants mimic natural teeth. Dental implants have a 98 percent success rate, and with proper care, allow you to speak, eat and smile with confidence. Dr. Nugent is a leader in dental implants.
The only way to get periodontal disease is through poor oral hygiene. FALSE
Poor oral hygiene can greatly contributes to the progression of gum disease. However there are other factors that can also impact your risk. For example, tobacco use greatly increases your chance of developing gum disease. Also, stress, poor diet, and genetics can contribute to periodontal disease.
Dr. Nugent wants you to keep all you teeth and have outstanding dental health.
Your dental health correlates to your overall health. To schedule an appointment call 713-941-8261.
Understanding Periodontal Disease: A Guide for Patients
Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a common yet serious infection that affects the tissues surrounding and supporting your teeth. While it may start with mild symptoms like gum inflammation, if left untreated, periodontal disease can progress into a major health issue that jeopardizes not only your oral health but your overall well-being. Knowing the causes, symptoms, and potential risks of periodontal disease can help you take action early to protect your smile.
What Causes Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is caused by the buildup of bacteria in the form of plaque on your teeth and gums. Plaque is a sticky film that forms on your teeth after eating or drinking. If not properly removed through brushing and flossing, plaque hardens into tartar, which can only be removed by a dental professional. Over time, this bacterial buildup irritates and inflames the gums, leading to the early stage of periodontal disease, known as gingivitis.
When gingivitis is not treated, it can advance to periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease. In periodontitis, the gums begin to pull away from the teeth, forming pockets where bacteria can collect and cause infection. The body’s immune response to this infection can lead to the breakdown of bone and tissue that support your teeth, which can ultimately lead to tooth loss.
Symptoms of Periodontal Disease
The early stages of periodontal disease can often go unnoticed because the symptoms are mild. However, some common signs to watch for include:
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Gums that bleed easily, especially when brushing or flossing
- Persistent bad breath
- Receding gums, or gums pulling away from the teeth
- Loose teeth or changes in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
- Pus between your teeth and gums
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to visit your dentist as soon as possible for an evaluation. Early detection and treatment can prevent the disease from progressing and causing more significant damage.
Risk Factors for Periodontal Disease
While poor oral hygiene is the leading cause of periodontal disease, several other factors can increase your risk, including:
- Smoking and tobacco use**: Smoking weakens your body’s ability to fight infections, including those in your gums, making it a significant risk factor for gum disease.
- Diabetes**: People with diabetes are more prone to infections and may have a harder time managing gum disease. Gum disease can also make blood sugar control more difficult, creating a harmful cycle.
- Hormonal changes**: Pregnancy, menopause, and other hormonal shifts can make gums more sensitive and susceptible to gum disease.
- Certain medications**: Some medications reduce saliva flow, which helps protect your mouth from bacteria, increasing the risk of gum disease.
- Genetics**: Some individuals may be more genetically predisposed to developing periodontal disease, even with good oral hygiene practices.
Preventing Periodontal Disease
The good news is that periodontal disease is largely preventable with proper oral hygiene and regular dental care. To protect your gums and teeth, follow these essential tips:
- Brush twice a day** using fluoride toothpaste. Be sure to brush along the gumline where plaque tends to accumulate.
- Floss daily** to remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth and under the gumline.
- Use an antibacterial mouthwash** to help reduce plaque and control early gum disease.
- Visit your dentist regularly** for cleanings and checkups. Professional cleanings remove tartar that can’t be eliminated with brushing and flossing alone.
- Avoid smoking** and tobacco products, as they are significant contributors to gum disease.
Treating Periodontal Disease
If diagnosed early, gum disease can often be reversed with professional cleanings and improved oral hygiene. However, more advanced stages of periodontal disease may require more intensive treatment, such as:
– **Scaling and root planing**: A deep cleaning procedure that removes plaque and tartar from above and below the gumline, helping the gums reattach to the teeth.
– **Surgical treatments**: In severe cases, surgery may be needed to reduce gum pockets or regenerate lost bone and tissue.
Periodontal disease is a serious condition that can lead to tooth loss and has been linked to various systemic health problems. However, with proper care, it is both preventable and treatable. Regular dental checkups, good oral hygiene, and addressing risk factors like smoking or diabetes can help keep your gums healthy. If you suspect you have any symptoms of gum disease, don’t wait—schedule an appointment with your dentist for an evaluation and take the first step toward protecting your oral and overall health.
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