Gum Disease: The Primary Facts Every Person Needs To Know

Caring for your smile requires more work than making sure your teeth are white and well-aligned. Your gums are a vital part of your oral health, as well as your general wellness. Because the majority of men and women might believe their gums are in good condition, they are frequently surprised if they are alerted to a problem. Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a serious condition that deteriorates the gums around a patient's teeth, and its symptoms typically occur without pain. Multiple studies have shown a link with gum disease and seemingly unrelated health issues, such as diabetes, heart disease, strokes, and certain cancers, including tooth loss.

However, there is excellent news: Periodontal disease can be avoided with professional dental care. The simplest method to avoid gum disease is to receive dental care from experienced dental practitioners, like the dentists at MINT dentistry in Galveston. Our dentists have expansive knowledge and skills in the area of periodontal dentistry to discover various issues and manage gum disease.

THE PRIMARY FACTS YOU MUST KNOW WHEN IT COMES TO PERIODONTAL DISEASE

Also referred to as gum disease, periodontal disease is an infection in the gumline. Your gumline is the oral tissue that serves to retain your teeth in their ideal placements. Ineffective dental health could lead a fuzzy-feeling bacteria known as plaque to build up and calcify around the gum tissue. Even though brushing and flossing could eliminate a portion of the bacteria, plaque that's not cleared up will become tartar and stick onto your teeth. Only a biannual cleaning done by a dental practitioner or dental professional can completely eliminate tartar.

While sitting on the teeth, tartar and plaque work alongside one another to cause the initial type of periodontal disease known as gingivitis. Gingivitis arises when plaque gathers on teeth and encourages the nearby gum tissue to become inflamed. Plaque produces toxins that negatively affect your gum tissues, making them red and swollen and, often, leading to bleeding.

If periodontal disease progresses without care, later levels of gum disease might result in sensitive and bleeding gum tissue, discomfort when chewing, and even tooth loss. That’s why it's crucial to diagnose and address gum disease before the inflammation spreads throughout your other oral structures.

PERIODONTAL DISEASE ISSUES TO KNOW

Properly functioning gums are slightly yielding, pink, and fit securely around your teeth. The beginning indicators of periodontal disease are often difficult to identify by the average individual. It is important to arrange regular sessions with our dentists at MINT dentistry in Galveston. Our staff can detect the initial signals of periodontal disease during routine cleanings and dental checkups. Symptoms of damaged gums include puffiness, redness, sensitivity, bleeding, separation from the tooth, new spaces around your teeth, foul breath, loose teeth, problems biting, and differences with your alignment.

PATIENTS WITH PERIODONTAL DISEASE HAVE ACCESS TO SEVERAL INNOVATIVE CARE SOLUTIONS

As patients reach the more progressive phases of periodontal disease, they may require surgical treatments. Our dentists in Galveston, TX offer several surgical gum treatments, like gum grafts, gingival flap surgery, and more.

Periodontal disease regularly causes the gum tissue to diminish, which will expose a portion of the roots of the teeth. To address your gumline, our dental practitioners may provide a gum graft treatment. In many cases, your own connective tissue is used to carry out this procedure. The donor sample will be excised from the roof of your mouth and sutured to your gums, which will address the root exposure.

Gum surgery could benefit patients in Galveston, TX who have late-stage periodontitis. Based on the stage of your periodontal disease, there is a selection of methods we can incorporate: gingival flap surgery, gingivectomy, or gingivoplasty. Gingival flap surgery moves the gumline away from the tooth to uncover the roots and permit our dental practitioner to measure your condition. After this, our dentist will carry out a scaling and root planing treatment to clear away tartar and excess infected tissue. The relocated gum tissue will then be readjusted and stitched back into the right location. In contrast, a gingivectomy removes and alters a section of the badly diseased gum tissue. This option is generally saved for those whose condition is more severe. Lastly, a gingivoplasty is considered a cosmetic dental operation that enhances and readjusts the gumline when your periodontal disease has been addressed to ensure a more natural look.

EVADE PERIODONTAL DISEASE UTILIZING THESE FIVE PRACTICES

The surest method to evade gum disease is to learn a good, consistent oral health regimen. Obeying this helpful set of rules may help ensure that your beautiful smile stays healthy for many years:

Flossing your teeth is necessary for your best oral care.
Flossing your teeth no less than once every day will help remove germs that may be stuck in between your teeth. Toothbrushing is a required aspect of your oral care routine. Nonetheless doing so every day still might not reach every crevice.

People must clean their teeth at least two times every day.
Patients who brush their teeth after meals help to eliminate plaque and bacteria lodged in between their gums and teeth. It's equally important not to overlook your tongue. You should use your soft-bristled brush to scrub your tongue — doing so could reduce excess bacteria.

Purchase toothpaste and mouth rinses with fluoride.
It can be difficult to figure out which dental health products are the most effective. As you're shopping, seek out a fluoride-based toothpaste and mouthwash. When used in conjunction, the two dental products can extend the time it takes for germs and tartar to harden on the enamel.

Make sure you see your dental practitioner twice a year.
Arrange one-on-ones with your dental care provider two times a year for oral health evaluations and cleanings. Oral examinations enable the team at MINT dentistry in Galveston to catch issues like gingivitis when they first develop. To help men and women with dental fears, our Galveston, TX office uses several sedation options to calm your nerves so you can get your examinations and cleanings with ease.

Forego tobacco use.
Men and women who use tobacco products (like dipping, cigars, or vaping) are more likely to be diagnosed with periodontal disease and certain cancers. Tobacco usage weakens your immune system. This can make it tougher for your body to battle harmful germs and heal later on.

PROTECT YOUR GUMLINE FROM DAMAGE AND RECESSION

Proper oral care is essential for the war against gum disease. Look for a dental care provider you trust, and be sure to check in at their facility every six months for oral assessments and professional cleanings. At MINT dentistry in Galveston, our team is capable of preventing, detecting, and eliminating periodontal disease, as well as numerous other dental wellness issues. Get in touch with our staff to schedule a visit and take off on your path toward excellent oral health.