Understanding Gum Disease: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention

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understanding gum disease causes symptoms and prevention

Did you know that gum disease is a more serious condition that people think? That’s right – if it’s not addressed by a professional dental expert in a timely fashion, your gums can recede, teeth become loose or fall out, and your jawbone can deteriorate. Fortunately, by scheduling a dental appointment and discussing gum disease treatment options near you, you can begin to regain your beautiful smile. And out team at ABBA Dental are here to help. Please call today.

What is Gum Disease?

Tissue inflammation or gingivitis is what marks the emergence of the disease. If you don’t treat it, it can get worse and turn into periodontitis. This can damage your gums and the bones underneath, and it might not be fixable.

Causes of Gum Disease

The main reason gum disease arises is when patients don’t take good care of their teeth. When you forget to brush and floss regularly, sticky stuff called plaque sticks to your teeth, leading to sore and sensitive gums. If it progresses, the infection can go deeper, affecting the bones and tissues holding your teeth in place.

Other things that can raise your chances of getting gum disease include smoking, hormonal changes like pregnancy or menopause, diabetes, some medicines you take, and if it runs in your family.

Symptoms of Gum Disease

Spotting gum disease early can prevent it from getting worse. Signs to watch for include:

  • Gums that are red, swollen, or hurt when you touch them
  • If your gums bleed when you brush or floss, it could mean you have gum disease.
  • Bad breath that won’t go away
  • Gums that pull away from your teeth and make them appear longer
  • Teeth that feel loose or move around
  • Your bite feels different, like your teeth don’t fit together right

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s essential to consult your dentist promptly for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Prevention of Gum Disease

The good news is that you can mostly avoid gum disease and the many symptoms that come with it simply by taking care of your teeth. Here’s how:

  • Remember to brush your teeth twice a day using toothpaste with fluoride.
  • Make sure to floss every day to clean between your teeth.
  • Use mouthwash that fights germs.
  • Try to eat healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, and lean meats to keep your body and teeth strong.
  • Don’t smoke and try to drink less alcohol.
  • See your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings to catch gum disease early.

If you make these habits part of your daily routine, you can lower your chances of getting gum disease and keep your smile healthy for a long time.

Treatment Options

If gum disease is detected, your dentist may recommend various treatments for gum disease, depending on the severity of the condition. These may include:

  • Scaling and root planing to remove tartar and smooth the tooth roots.
  • Antibiotics to reduce bacterial infection.
  • Surgical procedures like flap surgery or bone and tissue grafts for advanced cases.

Getting help early is important to prevent things from getting worse and keep your mouth healthy.

Maintaining Gum Health

To prevent recurrence, it’s important to carve out time every day to care for your teeth, eating well, and attending biannual checkups. Using antibacterial mouthwash and avoiding tobacco products will help as well. And remember, it’s okay to ask for assistance! There are no silly questions when it comes to your oral health.

To sum up, gum disease is a common problem that you can avoid with the right care. If you don’t treat it, it can harm your mouth. But if you know what causes it, what signs to look for, and how to stop it, you can keep your mouth healthy and smile confidently. Just make sure to see your dentist regularly and get your teeth cleaned to keep them in good shape.

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late; Visit Abba Dental Clinic Today!

For comprehensive dental care and expert guidance on preventing and treating gum disease, visit Abba Dental Clinic. Our experienced team of dentist in West End and hygienists is committed to providing personalized care in a comfortable environment. Schedule your appointment today to ensure a lifetime of healthy smiles!