Gum Disease is a common and preventable cause of tooth loss in adults. In fact, it is the most common cause of tooth loss. By practicing good everyday oral hygiene and visiting your dentist regularly, you can be sure your gums remain healthy and your teeth remain intact.
Preventing Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease, or gum disease, occurs when infection develops in the gum tissues. Infection can cause the gums to recede and pull away from the teeth. Since the gums provide support and a foundation for your teeth, damage to these tissues can cause your teeth to eventually become loose and even fall out.
The good news is that gum disease can be prevented. Regular brushing and flossing are the first round of defense. Your family dentist provides even more insurance. Although gum disease can develop with very few symptoms, keep an eye out for these signs that it might be developing:
- Bleeding when you brush your teeth
- Swelling or redness in your gums
- A shiny look to your domes
- Bad breath or an unpleasant taste in your mouth
Your family dentist can also diagnose gum disease by measuring the pockets around your teeth.
Treatment for Gum Disease
If you do develop gum disease, treatment is available. The type of treatment recommended by your family dentist depends upon how serious your gum disease has become. In its early stages, if there is only minor inflammation, treatment can be as simple as a special toothpaste or mouthwash. As gum disease becomes more serious, however, treatment becomes more invasive. A special deep-cleaning method called planing and scaling removes bacteria and infection just below the gum line and also smooths out the tooth roots to prevent bacteria from taking hold. If gums have started to recede, pulling away from the tooth roots, you might require gum surgery. This can include gum grafts, which transplants tissues from the roof of your mouth to shore up your gum line.
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