How Do I Cure Gum Disease?
Gum disease can happen to anyone, even those who practice perfect oral hygiene, eat healthy, and schedule regular dental exams, although doing these things does significantly decrease your risk of developing gum disease. Aside from poor oral hygiene and an unhealthy diet, other factors that increase an individuals’ risk of developing gum disease include:
- Genetic predisposition
- Malocclusion
- Systemic diseases (diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular disease)
- Certain medications
- Bruxism
- Stress
- Pregnancy
- Age
While it is important to schedule regular examinations at least every six months, it is especially important for individuals who fall under any of these higher risk groups. Individuals in this high-risk group are also strongly encouraged to practice good oral hygiene and schedule regular oral checkups at least every six months. Following good oral hygiene habits means brushing your teeth twice daily and flossing at least once a day. It also means following a healthy diet and avoiding or limiting sugary foods and beverages or starchy foods. Although gum disease is very common, it is also very treatable, especially if caught early. If you suspect you may have gum disease or have not had a regular examination in some time, contact your dental office today to ensure that you continue to enjoy good oral health.
Identifying Gum Disease
Because gum disease is a progressive condition, many times people are unaware that they have gum disease until it has already progressed to the point where it is causing more significant damage to your oral health. It is important to schedule an appointment with your dentist or periodontist if you notice any of these symptoms. If you do have gum disease, the sooner it is treated, the less likely you are to experience negative outcomes, such as the loss of a tooth or teeth.
- Bleeding gums after brushing or flossing
- Receded gums
- Swollen, red or tender gums
- Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
- Chronic halitosis
- Pain or discomfort while chewing
- Change in feel of your bite
- Change in fit of partial dentures (if applicable)
- Loosened teeth
Treating Gum Disease
In the early stage of gum disease, a deep cleaning and/or scale and root planing is often effective in halting and reversing the issue. A scale and root planing procedure addresses gum disease by removing plaque that has mineralized below your gum line and on the surfaces of your teeth using special dental instruments. Once removed, the surfaces of the tooth and roots are smoothed or planed, which inhibits the ability of new bacteria to grow, and gives your gums time to heal. In many cases, a scale and root planing procedure followed by improved self-care and frequent oral checkups will be sufficient in halting or reversing the effects of gum disease. In more severe cases, additional procedures may be necessary, like a gum graft or Pinhole Surgical Technique to correct recessed gums, tooth extraction to remove teeth that have been damaged beyond repair, and/or dental implants to replace teeth that have fallen out due to advanced gum disease.
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