What Is Gum Disease, and How Do I Prevent and Treat it?
Even though gum disease is a common occurrence in adults, it can also be easily avoided. This blog discusses gum disease causes and prevention, as well as the periodontal treatments offered at Royal Dental Care.
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It’s a truth of life that a great smile requires maintenance. Nearly everyone can relate to hearing the inevitable question from a dentist or dental hygienist: “When was the last time you flossed?” For many people, flossing is a hassle or something they forget or don’t make time for. However, it and other dental hygiene practices play a significant role in preventing gum disease. And while gum disease is the primary cause of tooth loss in adults, it is also a condition that can be avoided. This blog discusses the causes of gum disease and the periodontal treatments offered at Royal Dental Care, so you can better protect your teeth and gums.
What Is Gum Disease?
Periodontitis, more commonly called gum disease, is when the soft tissue surrounding your teeth (the gums) becomes inflamed and infected. Nearly 50% of people over 30 in the U.S. have some form of gum disease, and these numbers are even higher for older people and smokers. Left untreated, gum disease not only damages the tissue around your teeth but can destroy the teeth-supporting bone in your jaw and then lead to more serious health issues.
What Are the Stages of Gum Disease?
While you may assume that the lack of pain in your gums means they’re healthy and you don’t need to worry about them, that’s not always the case. Pain isn’t always a symptom of gum disease, especially in the early stages. Gum disease usually progresses in four phases:
Gingivitis
If you have gingivitis, your gums may be red, feel puffy or swollen, and bleed when you brush or floss.
Mild to Moderate Periodontitis
The bacteria that cause gum disease have migrated under your gums and are already affecting the ligaments, bones, and soft tissues that support your teeth. You may notice your gums are pulling away from your teeth, creating pockets that invite more bacteria to the party.
Moderate to Severe Periodontitis
As the bacteria continue to multiply, you will likely experience chronic bad breath and visible signs of infection at your gum line. The erosion of the vital bone and connective tissues around your teeth continues, and you may notice loosening teeth, increased bleeding, and receding gums.
What Are Some Signs of Gum Disease?
Healthy gums range in color from light pink to dark pink and even brown in some people. They are firm and don’t hurt when you touch them. They fit around your teeth snugly, keeping your teeth from loosening or moving over time. Symptoms of unhealthy gums include:
- Swollen gums
- Tender or sore gums
- Red or purple gums
- Gums that bleed easily while you are brushing or flossing
- Pain when eating
- Chronic bad breath
- Infections or abscesses in between your teeth and gums
- Loose teeth
- Teeth falling out
- Receding gums
- Changes in your bite or spacing of your teeth
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s time to visit your dentist.
How Does Royal Dental Care Treat Gum Disease?
When detected and treated early enough, gum disease can be reversible, though if any bone loss has occurred, there’s no reversing it. However, by being consistent with your dental visits and diligent with your dental hygiene, you can prevent gum disease from developing further. At Royal Dental Care, we offer a deep cleaning procedure called scaling and root planing. This process begins with scaling, which removes bacterial buildup both above and below your gum line. We then gradually smooth down the roots of your tooth (planing) to help prevent bacteria from adhering to the tooth and encourage your gum tissue to naturally reattach.
We often pair antibiotic therapy with scaling and root planing to ensure the most complete bacteria elimination possible.
How Do I Prevent Gum Disease?
The easiest and best way to prevent gum disease is by practicing good oral hygiene. This includes:
- Brushing your teeth at least twice a day
- Flossing at least once a day
- Using antibacterial mouthwash
- Avoiding tobacco use of any kind
One of the most important ways to prevent gum disease is by visiting your dentist every six months. Not only do they remove plaque and tartar and get your teeth super clean, but they also thoroughly examine your teeth and gums for signs of gum disease and other anomalies in your mouth, like oral cancer.
Learn More About Preventing and Treating Gum Disease in Schaumburg and Norridge
Don’t let gum disease ruin your beautiful smile. Schedule your visit with the expert dentists at Royal Dental Care for regular cleanings and checkups or periodontal treatments by calling (773) 232-3929 (Norridge) or (847) 999-7620 (Schaumburg). We offer a complete range of dental services, including cosmetic dentistry and orthodontics, so your teeth are covered from root to crown.