Periodontal Disease: The Important Facts Every Individual Should Recognize
Safeguarding your smile takes more effort than only ensuring that your teeth are pearly and even. The gums are a crucial aspect of your oral health, as well as your general health. Since the majority of men and women might believe their gums are in good condition, they are often surprised if they discover an issue. Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is a degenerative condition that deteriorates the gums around a patient's teeth, and its symptoms generally occur without discomfort. Multiple studies have shown an association that relates periodontal disease and other health concerns, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, strokes, and some cancers, including tooth loss.
However, there is welcome news: Gum disease can be evaded with proper oral care. The most important method to fight against gum disease is to get dental care from capable dental professionals, like the staff at MINT dentistry in Little York. Our practitioners have many years' worth of know-how and skills in the field of periodontal dentistry to uncover a number of concerns and manage gum disease.
THE ESSENTIAL FACTS YOU SHOULD KNOW CONCERNING PERIODONTAL DISEASE
At times referred to as gum disease, periodontal disease is essentially an infection in the gum tissue. The gumline is the pink-colored tissue that serves to retain your teeth in their correct placements. Ineffective oral hygiene might lead a sticky substance known as plaque to build up and calcify around the gum tissue. Although brushing and flossing should eliminate some of the buildup, plaque that's not cleared up will develop into tartar and harden onto your enamel. Only a professional cleaning done by a dentist or dental professional can properly remove tartar.
While sitting on the enamel, tartar and plaque operate together to cause the beginning stage of gum disease called gingivitis. Gingivitis occurs when plaque gathers on the enamel and causes the surrounding gums to become inflamed. Plaque creates toxins that negatively affect the gums, making them inflamed and puffy and, usually, resulting in bleeding.
When gum disease continuously develops without care, future levels of periodontal disease could cause sensitive and bleeding gum tissue, problems chewing, and, potentially, tooth loss. That’s why it's crucial to diagnose and address periodontal disease before the inflammation spreads throughout your other oral structures.
GUM DISEASE ISSUES TO LOOK OUT FOR
Properly functioning gums are firm, pink, and fit snugly around each tooth. The initial signs of gum disease are often hard to identify by the average individual. It is essential to schedule regular appointments with the dental team at MINT dentistry in Little York. Our staff will work to determine the tell-tale signals of gum disease during regular cleanings and dental examinations. Signs of infected gums include swelling, redness, tenderness, bleeding, separation from the tooth, extra spaces between your teeth, bad breath, loose teeth, painful chewing, and differences with your dental alignment.
PEOPLE WITH PERIODONTAL DISEASE COULD BENEFIT FROM A VARIETY OF INNOVATIVE TREATMENT SOLUTIONS
As individuals reach the more intense degrees of periodontal disease, they could require surgical procedures. Our dental practitioners in Houston, TX can perform numerous advanced gum procedures, namely gum grafts, gingival flap surgery, and more.
Periodontal disease frequently causes the gumline to deteriorate, which will expose a section of the tooth's roots. To revive the gumline, our team may offer a gum graft treatment. In many cases, autografted connective tissue is implemented to complete this treatment. The grafted tissue is taken from the roof of your mouth and moved to your gums, which minimizes the root exposure.
Periodontal surgery should benefit patients in Houston, TX who have the later phases of periodontitis. Based on the degree of your periodontal disease, there is a selection of methods we might implement: gingival flap surgery, gingivectomy, or gingivoplasty. Gingival flap surgery shifts the gum tissue away from the teeth to uncover the tooth roots and enable our dentist to gauge your situation. When this is complete, we will do a scaling and root planing treatment to eliminate tartar and some compromised tissue. The separated tissue is then readjusted and stitched back into the proper location. In contrast, a gingivectomy removes and alters a section of the badly diseased tissue. This treatment is generally saved for people whose condition has progressed. Lastly, a gingivoplasty is considered an aesthetic dental service that enhances and repositions the affected gum tissues after your periodontal disease has been taken care of to create a more attractive appearance.
AVOID GUM DISEASE WHEN YOU FOLLOW THESE EASY RULES
The most proper way to avoid periodontal disease is to discover a good oral hygiene regimen. Following this simple checklist may help guarantee that your shining smile lasts for many years:
Flossing your teeth is important for excellent oral wellness.
Flossing a minimum of one time every day will help remove harmful bacteria that could be stuck between your teeth. Brushing your teeth is a required aspect of your oral care routine. However, doing so every day still won't target every crevice.
Adults and children must brush their teeth at least twice each day.
Those who clean their teeth after eating help to eradicate tartar and buildup wedged in between their gum tissue and teeth. It's also crucial not to disregard the tongue. Gently utilize your soft-bristled brush to cleanse your tongue — doing so could reduce excess bacteria.
Use toothpaste and mouthwash that contain fluoride.
It can be hard to figure out which dental care products are the most effective. As you're shopping, look for a fluoride-containing toothpaste and mouthwash. If used together, the two dental products will delay the time it takes for germs and tartar to build up on the enamel.
Ensure that you visit your dentist twice a year.
Schedule visits with your dentist twice yearly for dental health evaluations and cleanings. Annual exams enable the staff at MINT dentistry in Little York to catch problems like gingivitis when they first occur. To help patients with dental fears, our Houston, TX office offers several sedation techniques to settle your nerves. This way, you can receive your examinations and professional cleanings with ease.
Eliminate tobacco use.
People who consume tobacco products (like chewing, smoking, or e-cigarettes) are at a higher risk to end up with periodontal disease and certain cancers. Tobacco usage negatively impacts the immune system. This can make it more difficult on your body to fend off bacteria and bounce back later on.
PROTECT YOUR GUMLINE FROM DISEASE AND DETERIORATION
Efficient oral treatment is vital for the battle against gum disease. Choose a dental professional you trust, and make sure to check in at their office twice a year for oral assessments and professional cleanings. At MINT dentistry in Little York, our team is capable of preventing, diagnosing, and eliminating periodontal disease, in addition to several other oral health issues. Contact our staff to set up an appointment and take off on your path toward your best dental health.