Learn how to manage periodontal disease and maintain healthy gums.
Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, can be detrimental to your health. The infection can spread from your mouth to other parts of your body. Periodontal disease also puts you at higher risk for heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. This condition can also cause discomfort as it may leave your nerves exposed. Getting treatment for gum disease sooner rather than later can save you from further complications. There are ways to deal with this oral health issue, no matter what stage it is in.
What Are the 9 Main Causes of Periodontal Disease?
A build-up of plaque is usually the beginning of gum disease. If left untreated, it can expose your teeth and gums to various issues.
1. Not Brushing and Flossing Enough – If you disregard the health of your teeth and gums, you open the door for the growth of negative bacteria. Telltale signs of bacteria growth include irritation, swelling, and inflammation. Plaque is a hard substance and can be difficult to get rid of but brushing twice a day and flossing once a day can help prevent its formation.
2. Tartar Development – When plaque sticks around it turns into tartar which is even more difficult to remove. Professional teeth cleaning will not only help the look and feel of your gums but keep the impending doom of gum disease away or at bay.
3. Smoking – If you are a smoker, you should be diligent about checking your oral health. Smoking can weaken your immune system which in turn lends itself to difficulty fighting off gum disease.
4. Alcohol – Excess alcohol consumption can dry your mouth out. Saliva helps fight off bad bacteria, but when you drink a lot of liquor you are only increasing your chances of gum disease.
5. Clenching and Grinding Your Teeth – When clenching or grinding your teeth you are putting excess force on them. This can speed up the rate of periodontal disease.
6. Stress – Are you stressed out? This may be connected to periodontal disease as your body has less chance of fighting off infection. Stress can have negative effects on your body including your oral cavity.
7. Medications – Some medicines can affect your oral health by causing dry mouth. Dry mouth increases your chance of periodontal disease.
8. Genetics – You may be predisposed to gum disease due to hereditary factors. It is important that your dentist is fully aware of your family history.
9. Medical Problems – When you have medical issues, there is a higher chance of developing periodontal disease because your body’s immune system is compromised.
Take care of your health to reduce the chance of running into damaging oral and overall health problems. It benefits your body to eat healthy, meditate, and keep a clean mouth.
What You Can Do to Manage Gum Disease
If it is too late and you already have gum disease there are still ways to deal with it.
Delaying much-needed dental work will eventually only lead to more problems. Delays often happen because people think the condition will improve on its own. The early stages of gum disease known as gingivitis, can be reversed. The longer you wait for treatment, the more it progresses and can reach a point of being irreversible.
Gingivitis
- Anti-Bacterial and Anti-Inflammatory Mouthwash – Using these types of rinses can slowly eliminate gingivitis. This is, of course, in conjunction with regular thorough brushing and flossing. Dental visits are also a must.
Further Along in Gum Disease
- Scaling – Tartar and bacteria you can’t reach on your own are removed from below your gumline and the surface of your teeth. This means the bacteria worsening your gum disease is eliminated.
- Root Planning – The surface of your tooth’s roots can be smoothed out to prevent additional plaque and tartar buildup. This helps your gums re-attach to your teeth.
- Antibiotics – A prescription may be given to you to get rid of the bacteria causing your infection.
Severe Periodontal Disease
- Flap Surgery – Cuts are made in your gums to fold back your tissue, exposing the root. The underlying bone is re-shaped, and your gum tissue is stitched back up. This helps repair some damage and aid in caring for your gum disease.
- Soft Tissue Grafts – Taking skin from the roof of your mouth and placing it on areas where your roots are exposed can cover your naked teeth. This helps reduce further gum loss.
- Bone Grafting – Small bits of your bone, an animal bone, or artificial bone is put in the damaged zone. This helps regrowth of your natural bone.
- Guided Tissue Regeneration – A special fabric is placed between your bone and tooth. This helps bone grow back.
- Tissue-Stimulating Process – A special gel is placed on the tooth’s root to stimulate healthy bone and tissue growth.
Periodontal Disease and Fighting Back
You can still live a good life even if periodontal disease is affecting you. Getting the help you need from Glenbrook Dental means a more positive oral future.