Gum Disease: The Main Signs Every Individual Should Know
Taking care of your smile involves more effort than merely ensuring that your teeth are bright and straight. Your gums are an integral aspect of your dental health, in addition to your overall well-being. Because many men and women might think their gums are in good condition, they are often alarmed if they are alerted to an issue. Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an oral disorder that deteriorates the gums that surround the teeth, and its symptoms typically occur without discomfort. Many studies have shown a connection among gum disease and general health concerns, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, strokes, and certain cancers, in addition to tooth loss.
In spite of this, there is excellent news: Periodontal disease can be prevented with effective dental care. The most effective method to combat periodontal disease is to seek out dental care from capable dental practitioners, like the staff at MINT dentistry in Las Colinas. Our doctors have expansive knowledge and training in the field of periodontal dentistry to discover a number of issues and treat gum disease.
THE PRIMARY FACTS YOU SHOULD UNDERSTAND ABOUT GUM DISEASE
Often called gum disease, periodontal disease is an infection of the gum tissue. The gumline is the pink-colored tissue that serves to retain your teeth in their ideal placements. Poor oral care may lead a sticky substance known as plaque to gather and solidify around the gum tissue. Even though brushing and flossing might reduce a portion of the buildup, plaque that's not cleared up will turn into tartar and set onto your enamel. Only a dental cleaning done by a dental practitioner or dental hygienist can completely remove tartar.
When collecting on the enamel, tartar and bacteria work in tandem to bring about the beginning stage of periodontal disease that we call gingivitis. Gingivitis forms when plaque builds up on teeth and encourages the nearby gums to become inflamed. Bacteria creates toxins that negatively affect the gums, causing them to become discolored and puffy and, usually, leading to bleeding.
As periodontal disease worsens with no care, more serious levels of gum disease will often lead to painful and bleeding gums, difficulty chewing, and even missing teeth. This is why it's crucial to diagnose and manage gum disease before infection spreads around your other oral structures.
GUM DISEASE RED FLAGS TO BE AWARE OF
Properly functioning gums are taut, pink, and fit securely around each tooth. The primary indicators of periodontal disease are generally difficult to recognize by the average individual. It is vital to arrange regular checkups with the dental team at MINT dentistry in Las Colinas. They can determine the early signals of periodontal disease during routine cleanings and dental examinations. Signs of inflamed gums include swelling, redness, tenderness, bleeding, separation from the tooth, new spaces between your teeth, halitosis, loose teeth, difficulty biting, and differences with your dental alignment.
PEOPLE WITH PERIODONTAL DISEASE COULD BENEFIT FROM A VARIETY OF ADVANCED CARE OPTIONS
As people get to the more intense stages of gum disease, they could require surgical solutions. Our dental practitioners in Las Colinas, TX offer several surgical gum procedures, in particular, gum grafts, gingival flap surgery, and others.
Gum disease often causes the gum tissue to diminish, which will expose a section of the roots of the teeth. To address the gumline, our dentists may perform a gum graft surgery. Usually, your own connective tissue is used for this operation. The grafted tissue is removed from the palate and reinstated into your gumline, which minimizes the root exposure.
Gum surgery will often help individuals in Las Colinas, TX who have the later phases of periodontitis. Based on the extent of your condition, there are a few techniques we might incorporate: gingival flap surgery, gingivectomy, and gingivoplasty. Gingival flap surgery repositions the gumline away from the enamel to show the tooth roots and allow our dental practitioner to measure your situation. After this, we will perform a deep cleaning to clear away plaque and any damaged tissue. The separated gum tissue is then addressed and stitched back into the proper place. Meanwhile, a gingivectomy removes and reshapes a section of the severely diseased tissue. This procedure is usually done for people whose situation is more intense. Finally, a gingivoplasty is, at times, an aesthetic dental surgery that improves and repositions your gum tissue once your periodontal disease has been taken care of to ensure a more natural look.
PREVENT GUM DISEASE USING THESE EASY HABITS
The surest method to evade periodontal disease is to learn an excellent at-home oral hygiene regimen. Following this convenient checklist could help ensure that your bright smile lasts for many years:
Flossing is necessary for excellent dental health.
Flossing a minimum of once each day is necessary to help remove food particles that might be lodged between your teeth. Cleaning your teeth is an essential part of your oral care routine. However, doing so every day still can't reach every crevice.
You must brush your teeth at least two times every day.
Patients who brush their teeth after meals help to remove plaque and bacteria lodged in between their gums and teeth. It's also important not to disregard the tongue. It's good to utilize your toothbrush to cleanse your tongue, as this can eliminate excess bacteria.
Utilize toothpaste and mouth rinses with fluoride.
Men and women alike find it difficult to know which oral health products are the most effective. As you're shopping, select a fluoride-containing toothpaste and mouthwash. When used in conjunction, the two products can slow how long it takes for bacteria and plaque to thicken on the enamel.
Make sure you see your dentist twice annually.
Arrange consultations with your dental care provider two times a year for oral health exams and professional cleanings. Oral checkups enable the staff at MINT dentistry in Las Colinas to discover problems like gingivitis when they first occur. To help people with dental fears, our Las Colinas, TX facility uses many sedation options to settle your nerves so you can get your evaluations and cleanings with ease.
Stop your tobacco use.
Adults who use tobacco products (including dipping, cigarettes, or vaping) are at a higher risk to develop gum disease and certain cancers. Tobacco consumption is bad for the immune system, making it more difficult on your body to fend off harmful germs and recover later on.
GUARD YOUR GUMS FROM POTENTIAL DANGER AND DETERIORATION
Exceptional oral care is vital in the war against gum disease. Find a dental care provider you trust, and make sure to pay a visit to their office every six months for dental exams and professional cleanings. At MINT dentistry in Las Colinas, our dental professionals are capable of preventing, diagnosing, and improving gum disease and numerous other oral health concerns. Contact our team today to set up a one-on-one and start your journey toward ideal dental health.