Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment of Gum Disease.

Having and maintaining healthy gums is essential to protect not only your oral health but also your overall health and avoid gum disease.

Common Symptoms of Gum Disease.

• Redness and swelling
• Receding gums, sensitive and loose teeth
• Tender, discomfort, or pain in your mouth
• Bleeding while eating, brushing, or flossing your teeth
• Bad breath

Please know that the initial stages of gum disease may not cause any symptoms until the disease is more advanced! It’s a high priority to visit the dentist for a preventive checkup at least once a year.

Types of Gum Disease.

Gingivitis is a mild form of Periodontal disease, and the most common symptoms are redness, swelling, bleeding, and some discomfort. Since Gingivitis is considered a form of mild gum disease, there are ways to reverse it with the appropriate professional treatment and good at-home dental care, such as brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing, using a fluoride toothbrush, maintaining a healthy diet, avoiding smoking, and visiting the dentist in a regular basis. Dental cleanings are essential to keep your gums healthy since only professional cleanings can remove tartar. 

Periodontal Disease. Also called Periodontitis can be caused by untreated Gingivitis and a build-up of plaque and bacteria; unfortunately, it cannot be reversed. This disease causes an infection that can destroy gum tissue & bones. Continued treatment from a Periodontist is required since patients who do not receive proper periodontal gum care are at risk of more severe issues in the future, including tooth loss by removal or even natural tooth fallouts. Although this disease can’t be cured, we have advanced treatments available at Sage Dental, including scaling and root planning, Arestin® antimicrobial antibiotics, gum surgery, and other therapies.

What can cause Gum Disease?

• Poor hygiene habits
• Age
• Smoking
• Diabetes
• Hormonal changes
• Genetics
• Pregnancy
• Some medications, such as antidepressants, contraceptives, and heart medications.

*Please visit a Dentist if you are exposed to any of these factors or have any of the mentioned symptoms above.

Reminders to maintain healthy gums:

• Brush your teeth two times a day with fluoride toothpaste
• Flossing regularity
• Avoid Smoking
• Visit the dentist and have dental cleanings regularly

How can Periodontitis affect your overall health?

Based on information shared by the CDC, Periodontitis is linked to other health problems such as heart disease, strokes, and it can make diabetes worse due to bacteria entering the bloodstream through the gum tissue.

Resources:

https://www.perio.org/for-patients/gum-disease-information/

https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/gum-disease

https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/gingivitis-periodontal-disease

https://mysagedental.com/dental_services/periodontics/