Gum Disease
Gum disease (periodontal disease) is a when the gums surrounding your teeth are infected by excessive plaque buildup, which is the sticky substance of bacteria that forms on the surface of your teeth. It’s also one of the major reasons that explain tooth loss in adults. Most people do not experience pain from the disease so it can be difficult to tell if there’s infection present. It’s important to schedule regular dental cleanings and checkups with your dentist as he or she will be able to identify gum disease in an earlier stage before it has the chance to get worse.
What Are the Stages of Periodontal Disease?
Gum disease can be prevented with regular flossing, brushing, and visiting your dentist once every six months. If plaque is not properly removed from your teeth, it will increase and release toxins that will further damage your gums. There are also two stage of periodontal disease, both of which are provided below:
- Gingivitis is a much earlier stage of gum disease. In this stage, the gums swell, become red, and may bleed very easily. It’s better to treat gum disease in this stage since daily brushing and flossing will do just the trick.
- Periodontitis When gingivitis isn’t treated, then it will grow to become periodontitis. In this more advanced stage of gum disease, the gums and bone that support your teeth may receive irreversible damage.
Factors that Increase a Patient’s Likelihood of Developing Periodontal Disease
- Smoking or using chewing tobacco
- Diabetes
- Medication (steroids, anti-epilepsy drugs, cancer therapy drugs, calcium channel blockers, and oral contraceptives)
- Bridges that don’t provide the proper fit
- Crooked teeth
- Old fillings
- Pregnancy
Gum Infection Symptoms
Can’t remember your last dental checkup? There are a number of symptoms that may help you determine whether or not you have a gum infection. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms below, we recommend that you see your dentist immediately to prevent any more damage.
- Bleeding gums
- Gums have reddened, become tender, and are swollen
- Gums are beginning to pull away from your teeth
- Bad breath
- Unpleasant taste
- Pus forming between your teeth and gums
- Loose permanent teeth
- Changes with how your teeth fit together when you bite
- Changes with the fit of your partial dentures
Implant Restoration
Replacing missing teeth with implants can be a great substitution. An implant is screwed into place in the bone with a tooth-colored crown attached to it. Implants can also be used as a foundation for dentures to help stabilize them and keep them from coming out of place.