Periodontal Maintenance And Care Gum disease is a common dental issue however, it can also be avoided. Gum disease is due to not properly caring for teeth such as brushing and flossing at least twice a day. At Greenway Family Dental, we will make every effort to assist you in keeping your teeth and gums healthy.Gum Disease SymptomsWhen you have gums that are healthy, they will be pink in color and will obviously appear good around the teeth. If the gums are unhealthy they may appear swollen and red, may feel sensitive, may begin to bleed, and you may have bad breath. When Should You Get Checked?If you have signs of gum disease, your dentist will want you to schedule an appointment as soon as possible so that the condition can be treated quickly. When your gums are treated early on, the damage caused can be reversed. What Causes Gum Disease?Oftentimes, the onset of gum disease begins as soon as plaque appears. This sticky substance is filled with bacteria that can quickly lead to gum disease. Plaque can also form after food sugar breaks down and the bacteria start to feed on the sugars. The plaque is also responsible for gingivitis, which is noticed shortly after plaque has had a chance to settle in. This gingivitis causes your gingiva to become irritated and inflamed. Your dentist can reverse gingivitis through various treatment options that coincide with oral care at home. If the gum inflammation goes unchecked, then it can lead to gum disease. This can cause the development of pockets, which plaque can then fill. Over time, the size of the pockets will increase and contain even more bacteria and plaque. Eventually, the deep pockets can lead to tissue deterioration. When the tissue deteriorates to a certain point, the tooth will likely fall out. Plus, having an increased amount of inflammation could weaken the body's ability to fight infection. Issues Stemming From Gum DiseaseThe main issue that can occur due to gum disease is the loss of teeth. This is because bacteria that cause gum disease is able to enter the blood through the gums. This bacteria can then travel throughout the body. If you have gum disease, you can expect to also have other health issues. Other health issues relating to gum disease include arthritis, respiratory issues, high blood sugar levels, or coronary artery disease. If any of these conditions are present, then you should make an appointment with your dentist. Preventing Gum DiseaseIn order to keep gum disease under control, you should be practicing the best oral care possible. Ideally, oral care should be taught early in life so that it can become a habit as the child grows up. Besides oral care at home, there should be routine dental visits that will maintain the teeth and ensure that they remain healthy. Part of this maintenance involves cleanings that need to be completed at least twice a year. Call (623) 500-6122 to schedule your appointment today. |
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