To understand the gum disease treatment, it’s helpful to first define gum disease itself. Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, refers to the medical condition in which gums become inflamed and infected due to the presence of plaque and tartar buildup on your teeth. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to serious health problems in other parts of your body, such as heart and kidney diseases, so it’s important to get your periodontal health checked every six months or so if you notice any signs of gum disease.
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a bacterial infection that causes inflammation of your gums. Periodontal disease can wreak havoc on your health, causing severe damage to your teeth and bones. The good news is gum disease is preventable and treatable with an accurate diagnosis from a dentist. Here are some common signs that you may have gum disease: bleeding gums or teeth, bad breath (halitosis), loose teeth or teeth that seem to be moving around in their sockets and a toothache that doesn’t go away with over-the-counter painkillers like aspirin or ibuprofen.
What Causes Gum Disease?
When plaque sits on your teeth for too long, it hardens into tartar, a yellowish-brown substance that is difficult to remove. Once plaque and tartar build up on your teeth, they contribute to gingivitis—inflammation of your gums. Left untreated, gingivitis can develop into periodontal disease. Periodontal disease causes bone loss around your teeth, which leads to deep pockets between your gum line and tooth surface.
Symptoms of Gum Disease
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, there’s a chance that you may have gum disease. According to WebMD, gum disease occurs when plaque—the sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on your teeth—dries out and hardens. This build-up pushes against your gums (gingiva) from below and causes them to separate from your teeth… Even more alarming is that it can also increase your risk for oral cancer as well as heart attack or stroke. Gum disease is a serious problem so if you notice these symptoms, visit a dentist immediately. Not sure where to start?
Tooth Extraction (Wisdom Teeth)
If you suffer from major tooth pain, it’s a good idea to see your dentist. Wisdom teeth are hard to reach with a toothbrush, and even if they haven’t broken through yet, they might be crowding your existing teeth. If that’s so, they need to come out or be prevented from coming in—they won’t have time to properly erupt in most cases. If you aren’t sure whether or not your wisdom teeth need removal, schedule an appointment with your dentist. He or she can determine whether there is any risk of infection by doing an x-ray and examining your mouth thoroughly.
How to Get Rid of Gum Disease?
The first step in getting rid of gum disease is to have a proper diagnosis by your dentist. If you have chronic gum irritation, swollen gums, or gum recession, you may have an early form of periodontal disease. The sooner you treat it, however, the less damage will be done to your teeth and gums. There are non-surgical treatments that might be able to help reverse mild or moderate forms of periodontal disease. Your dentist can show you how to improve your oral hygiene so that plaque doesn’t build up as quickly on your teeth and gums. He or she can also prescribe antibiotics if more severe forms of periodontal disease are diagnosed.
Considerations When Choosing a Dentist
Choosing a dentist can be tough. But picking one based on factors like price or location isn’t always ideal. It is possible to find a dentist who offers gum disease treatment in your neighborhood, but it’s important to remember that his or her effectiveness depends on several other factors as well. Here are some things you should consider when choosing a dentist for gum disease treatment.
Getting Regular Checkups is Essential
Gum disease can be painful, embarrassing, and even expensive to treat. That’s why it’s so important to get regular checkups—at least twice a year for most people. The American Dental Association recommends that you visit your dentist at least twice a year for professional cleaning and x-rays. During these appointments, your dentist will check for gum disease symptoms. Left untreated, gum disease can increase your risk of developing other health problems such as heart disease or stroke, but getting professional treatment early can save you a lot of hassle later on. It might be a good idea to brush or floss after each meal if you want to prevent yourself from developing gum disease in any way possible.
Healing Time After Procedure Varies From Person to Person
While most people can expect to heal from gum disease treatments in less than two weeks, some will take longer.
