People tend to shrug off tender and bleeding gums because of the belief that these symptoms are a normal result of daily brushing and flossing; however, tender and bleeding gums are the telltale sign of gum disease in its earliest form. These symptoms need to be taken seriously. Understanding gums disease helps you know how to prevent it and why it occurs.
Your best defense against developing gum disease is prevention. Here’s everything you need to know on gum disease and what it means for your health!
What is Gum Disease?
Periodontal disease, more commonly known as gum disease, is an oral infection of the gum tissue. The condition most commonly develops because of poor oral hygiene but other factors can contribute, including age, genetics, smoking, diabetes, and certain medications.
In advanced stages, gum disease can lead to sore, bleeding gums, painful chewing, and inevitable tooth loss.
How Gum Disease Affects More than Oral Health
When left untreated, the earliest stage of gum disease, also known as gingivitis, can progress into periodontitis. The toxins found in plaque affect gum tissue, the bone, and supporting structures, and can eventually result in loose teeth.
When gums become weakened by disease, harmful bacteria can easily enter the bloodstream, infecting other parts of the body. Recent medical and dental studies show that these harmful toxins can contribute to other whole-body health conditions such as hard-to-control diabetes, heart disease, low birth weight in infants, and AIDS and HIV issues.
Periodontics: The Art of Treating Gum Disease
Gum disease treatments are designed to address the fundamental causes of the disease and help re-build your health and wellness from there.
Correcting Gum Tissue Recession - Receding gums jeopardize the soft tissue support that your teeth need to remain in place. Gum disease and tartar buildup can also eat away at bone, further weakening your teeth’s support system. Fortunately, treatments such as bone grafts can help restore the support your teeth need to remain strong and healthy.
Rejuvenating Beauty - Receding gum tissue alters your smile’s appearance. While many patients are first concerned with getting their health back on track, it’s hard to feel confident about your smile if it doesn’t look as healthy as it feels. Gum disease treatment with dental lasers can halt tissue recession and encourage tissue regeneration to restore teeth and gums for a beautiful smile.
Preventing Re-Infection - Once the bacteria and plaque are cleaned and removed, a responsible treatment plan involves more frequent maintenance and evaluation to be sure that infection does not return. Patients who have recently undergone care for gum disease need to keep preventive care appointments every three months.
Dr. Del and his team can help eradicate the damaging effects of periodontal disease so that you can enjoy better health. For more information about treatment, contact our office.