Gum Disease: Symptoms, Causes, And Treatments
There are a number of issues that can come about if you do not take the correct and avid care of your teeth and mouth. One of the leading conditions associated with this is gum disease. Though you may have heard the term, you are probably unaware of exactly what it means and how it manifests itself. In the following discussion, we examine everything you need to know: gum disease symptoms, its causes, and common treatments.
What is gum disease? Basically gum disease is a treatable condition that manifests when plaque and mouth bacteria builds up on and below the gum line in your mouth. It is a progressive condition that can be treated with better dental habits, and if serious, surgical procedure to root out the bacteria.
Symptoms
The symptoms of gum disease-though varied according to the patient and how far along the condition has progressed-are pretty typical to following:
1. Bleeding gums
2. Swollen and sore gums
3. Pain while chewing
4. Loose and/or sensitive teeth
5. Bad breath
If you experience any or all of these symptoms, it is necessary to contact your periodontist and seek care as early as possible. These gum disease symptoms, if caught early enough, can usually be treated with better brushing/flossing/plaque care techniques and regular checkups to avoid any further damage to the gum and bone.
Causes
There is only one main cause for gum disease, and that is when the bacteria that is living in our mouths at all times, bonds with the mucus in our mouths to coat our teeth with plaque. Without the proper and regular removal of this plaque through proper brushing, flossing, and dentist visits, this plaque hardens and turns to tartar which can only be removed by a specialist. The more plaque and tartar in the mouth, the more bacteria the teeth and gum line is forced to handle making the gums sore and subject to bleeding.
Treatments
Depending on how far the gum disease has progressed, your dentist will probably recommend that you see a specialist-otherwise known as a periodontist. The periodontist will take a look and depending on how serious your gum disease is give you deep cleaning along the gum line and root out the pockets in your gums that are filled with plaque. More follow- up appointments may be necessary to get all of the bacteria out. If your condition is very progressed, the next option in gum disease treatments that the periodontist will suggest is an antibiotic and then, ultimately, surgery.
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Dr. Delaram Hanookai is a Los Angeles-based Periodontist who has trained with the world’s most prominent Dental Implantologists. She is known as the “Plastic Surgeon of the Smile.” Click here for more information on Sedation Dentistry. Or call (818) 788-8787.
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