Gum disease is one of the most common oral health issues that people experience. If left untreated, conditions like gingivitis can eventually progress into full-blown periodontitis.
Although it’s a common diagnosis, there are things that you can do to help prevent gum disease before it happens. It’s important to understand the causes of gingivitis and what symptoms to look out for.
In this article, we will take a look at the various types of gum disease, what symptoms of gingivitis look like, and what kinds of treatment options are available.
What You Should Know About Gum Disease
Gingivitis and periodontitis are two of the most common types of gum disease. These issues usually arise from a form of bacterial infection. If gingivitis is left untreated, it can turn into periodontitis, which is a much more serious health concern.
Periodontitis is notoriously difficult to treat and has the potential to be extremely hazardous to your health. That is why it is important to start treatment right away when gum disease is suspected. Poor oral health doesn’t just affect the condition of your teeth and gums…it can also impact the rest of your body, too!
What Causes Gingivitis?
Oftentimes, people don’t realize that there is a problem with their oral health until they go in for a checkup and find out that they have an active case of gum disease.
With gingivitis and periodontitis, symptoms usually can be attributed to plaque and food particles that have become trapped in between the teeth and gums.
When good oral habits aren’t followed, you can accidentally create a breeding ground for bacteria and disease in your mouth. This is especially true when plaque is allowed to buildup on the teeth.
What are the Health Concerns Associated with Gum Disease?
Gum disease can cause significant risk factors that can negatively impact your health. When left unchecked, gum disease can weaken your immune system, damage your teeth, and make other existing conditions throughout your body worsen. In fact, severe gum disease may require restorative dentistry services to be fully resolved.
Even with perfect flossing and brushing, there are still situations that can lead to gum disease. For example, people born with crooked teeth tend to be more susceptible to gum disease, as are individuals with fillings or other dental implants that aren’t fitted properly.
Certain medications can also increase the likelihood of developing gum disease. These include medications used for chemotherapy patients, oral contraceptives, and steroids, just to name a few.
Individuals with diabetes tend to experience gum disease at higher rates, too. This happens because of the spikes experienced in blood sugar levels, which promote the growth of the same bacteria that can cause gum disease.
Unsurprisingly, in addition to being bad for your overall health, smoking is also terrible for your teeth. Tobacco softens the gum tissue around your teeth and bones and weakens your body’s ability to fight infection effectively.
If you smoke or currently experience any of these health conditions, it is important to pay extra attention to your oral health. Gingivitis can rapidly progress into periodontitis. If you notice any of the signs or symptoms of gum disease listed below, you should seek out a dentist for a thorough examination and treatment right away.
What are the Symptoms of Periodontitis?
There are several signs that can indicate that you have an active case of gum disease. One of the most prevalent symptoms is consistently bad breath.
If you regularly and thoroughly brush your teeth and notice that you still have bad breath after you’re done, it’s probably time to make an appointment for gum disease treatment.
Gum disease isn’t an issue that should be ignored. Symptoms like tooth sensitivity, receding gum lines, bleeding of the gums during brushing and flossing, and loose teeth can cause major discomfort and pain if left untreated.
Our team is experienced in what it takes to resolve these kinds of issues. We offer full-service gum disease treatment in Camarillo and the surrounding areas.
Diagnosing Gum Disease
The best way to determine whether you might have gum disease is to consult with a qualified professional and get a thorough exam.
Your dentist will perform a physical exam to check for loose teeth or receding gums. They may perform additional testing or ask you questions about existing medical conditions and your current diet and oral health habits.
If you are experiencing issues with periodontal disease, you’ll likely also have X-rays taken to look at the health of the bone structure around your teeth. This will give your dentist a clearer picture of your overall oral health.
Treatment for Gum Disease
There are several ways to treat gum disease. The first (and easiest) is to have your teeth cleaned thoroughly and regularly by your dentist.
If you have an existing gingivitis condition, antibiotics may be an effective way to halt the progression of the disease. This can be especially helpful in cases where a person experiences severe inflammation or infection along the gum line.
Tips for Preventing Gum Disease
• Brush Daily: Brushing your teeth multiple times daily is one of the most effective ways to clean your teeth and to remove bacteria from your gum line.
• Floss Nightly: Flossing removes food particles and bacteria from the spaces where your teeth and gums meet, making sure that nothing gets left behind to build up to harmful acids.
• Watch for Signs of Poor Oral Health: Make sure you monitor your mouth for early warning signs of infection. If you notice gum swelling, tissue discoloration, or chronic bad breath, you may have gingivitis.
• Stay Up-to-Date with Your Dental Cleanings: Your dental hygienist can remove plaque and tartar that you cannot remove on your own. Getting regular dental checkups is the best way to catch issues early on.
Your family deserves the best dental care possible for 2021 and beyond! When you need a dentist in Camarillo, there is no better choice. Schedule your next checkup with Woodcreek Dental today!
