Gum Disease: How To Identify, Treat, And Stop it

If left untreated, gum disease can become an expensive and unsightly problem with permanent damage. Here is how to stop it before it gets out of control.

Many dentists chastise their patients on the dangers of gum problems if they fail to brush and floss properly and regularly, but still many people ignore their warnings. The effects of which are far-reaching and severely damaging, ruining your beautiful smile and costing thousands of dollars just to fix it. Fortunately, you can prevent and treat it before it spirals out of control. Here are the facts that you need to know in order to identify, treat, and stop them from destroying the entire tooth.

What is it and how does the gum problem develop?
Gum disease, or periodontitis, is the inflammation and infection of the gums, resulting in bone and tissue loss. The primary culprit for its development is poor oral health habits. However, nutritional deficiencies and other health problems, such as diabetes, may also be contributing factors. Plaque, a filmy bacterium that forms on the surface of the teeth, will eventually harden into calculus, which cannot be removed through brushing and flossing at home. This buildup can reach into the pockets of every tooth and deepen them, slowly separating the gums away from the teeth. Eventually this can cause bone deterioration, resulting in the loosing or even the loss of teeth.

What are some signs of gum disease?
The most common and obvious signs are bleeding during brushing, flossing, or even eating certain foods. Advanced may experience spontaneous bleeding. The gums will also appear puffy and might be slightly tender. Consistent and strong bad breath might also be a sign. Loose teeth and receding gums are warning signs of severe issue progression. This disease can be particularly dangerous because many people exhibit few if any visible signs in the early stages.

How can it be treated?
Gingivitis, which is the disease in the early stages, can often successfully be reversed by proper and routine home oral care and regular professional cleanings. Your dentist can advise you on the best methods of brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash if necessary. Those in more advanced stages will need the assistance of a specialized dentist or periodontist to help treat the problem. Some damage may be irreversible so the sooner you address the problem the greater your chances of stopping it.

What will happen if it is left untreated?
The most common result of untreated gum disease is the loss of teeth and decay. Subsequently, most people will need to seek cosmetic reconstruction to fix the problem, which can include full or partial dentures, dental implants, or crowns. Cosmetic dentistry can be extremely costly and embarrassing. Many cosmetic procedures also take time to complete, which means many people must resort to temporary solutions which can be uncomfortable. Surgery is another common result it that is necessary in order to save bone and tissue from destruction. This can be particularly painful and expensive.

If you’re concerned that you may have this problem, contact your dentist for an exam and further guidance.

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