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Bad oral hygiene can have several consequences for your oral health, and one of them is developing gum disease. Also known as periodontitis, this condition causes your gums to swell and bleed, resulting in tooth loss without prompt treatment and a deep teeth cleaning.
However, gum disease is very common. Moreover, because it’s a silent disease at the beginning stages, patients who fail to visit the dentist frequently often identify it when it’s too late. To help you avoid this result and protect your oral health, we’ll explain gum disease in detail.
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is a dangerous gum infection that harms the soft tissue surrounding teeth. It is brought on by inadequate dental hygiene, which permits the accumulation of bacterial plaque along the gum line. Over time, this plaque hardens into tartar, which is harder to remove.
These bacteria release acids that irritate the gums, causing them to inflame and begin to recede. Additionally, smoking is one risk factor that can raise one's risk of gum disease.
Sadly, gum disease is very common, with nearly 50% of adults over 30 experiencing symptoms of periodontitis. Without treatment, periodontitis can destroy the bone that supports your teeth, cause tooth deterioration, and even tooth loss—which is why identifying and treating it promptly is key.
Common Symptoms of Gum Disease
Gum disease symptoms vary depending on the severity of the condition. Although gingivitis, a mild form of gum disease, can be reversed, if treatment is not received, the condition may worsen and develop into irreversible periodontitis.
Gingivitis Symptoms
If you develop gingivitis, you may experience symptoms such as:
- Swollen or red gums
- Gum bleeding following brushing, flossing, or consuming particular foods
- Gums that are sore or sensitive
- Visible tartar and plaque
- Halitosis, or persistent foul breath
Periodontitis Symptoms
As gum disease progresses and turns into periodontitis, the symptoms worsen. Some symptoms include:
- Pain in the mouth or teeth
- Sensitivity to heat or cold
- Shifting or loose teeth
- Changes in your bite
- Difficulty chewing food
How Do We Treat Gum Disease?
Gum disease is caused by plaque and tartar accumulation, which results from bad oral hygiene habits. For that reason, the main treatment options aim to remove this harmful bacteria and restore the health of your smile.
- Professional Dental Cleaning: Plaque and tartar are removed from both above and below the gum line of your teeth by your dentist or dental hygienist.
- Scaling and Root Planing: This process smoothes out rough areas on your tooth roots (planing) and removes plaque and tartar from above and below your gum line (scaling). It is performed under local anesthetic, as it can be a little invasive.
- Medications: Because gum disease is caused by a bacterial infection, antibacterial medications can also be prescribed as part of your treatment.
Restore Your Oral Health After Gum Disease with our Deep Teeth Cleaning Procedure
Gum disease is frequently brought on by neglecting your mouth and teeth. For that reason, brushing and flossing daily—and scheduling regular dental checkups—is key to help prevent periodontitis.
Here at Montgomery Smiles, we want to help you recover your oral health. If you’ve started to notice some common signs of gum disease, contact us today for a deep cleaning!
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