Periodontium is the area around the tooth, whereas Periodontitis, is a commonly known as gum disease. Periodontitis (pyorrhea) is a result of multiplication of bacteria around the spaces of the teeth. If this condition is left untreated then teeth will lose the support.
An extreme condition such as loss of teeth is mostly due to neglect or poor dental hygiene. Untreated, this disease is capable of affecting approximately 90% of the world population. Periodontal disease is sometimes hereditary, but it also develops due to, lack of proper oral hygiene.
How Can I Tell If I Have Gum Disease?
Gum disease is not readily detectable. That’s the reason why skill of a dentist or periodontist is useful. Nevertheless, there are tell-tale signs and symptoms that you may notice.
Bad breath:
Halitosis, which is a word for bad breath, this smell streams from the blood and is enhanced by poor oral hygiene.
One giveaway of Halitosis is persistent bad taste and odor in your mouth, regardless of whether you brush your teeth or not. Another good indicator is also a difference in your bite, the teeth change in the way they ‘sit’ together. Authorities on the subject say that combination of the above results in bad breath and in most cases is highly accurate in the diagnosis of gum disease.
Bleeding gums
Often this occurs when you are brushing your teeth or flossing and you will notice bleeding.
Pus between the gums and teeth:
Advance stages of gum disease, loosening of the teeth and development of spaces between the teeth are clearly visible.
Receding gums
Small pockets where your gums and receding from the teeth, exposing the roots of the gum. In extreme cases, teeth end up appear longer than their regular length. The “naked” roots result in sensitivity when you take hot or cold fluids or foods, which is also characteristic of Gingivitis.
Periodontal pockets
Pockets can be measured by your dentist with the use of a precise instrument called periodontal probe.
What Are the Known Causes Periodontal Disease?
Heredity
Genetic information plays a key role in periodontal disease; you can be genetically predisposed to this condition. However, early intervention can keep the oral cavity clean and healthy and prevent the disease.
Poor oral hygiene
Ignoring oral hygiene causes tartar formation, a combination of this and lack of professional dental care will lead to disease.
Menopause and pregnancy
With hormonal changes in menopause or pregnancy you are more prone for gum disease. You need to floss and brush your teeth regularly and appropriately, the disease is multifactorial, this is one way to reduce its risk and halt its progression.
Medical conditions
Diabetics, Pulmonary, and Cardiovascular disease are associated closely with periodontal disease.
Poorly controlled blood sugar levels will encourage the growth of bacteria.
Smoking is another predisposing factor for gum disease.
Is there Treatment or Cure for Gum Disease?
The goal of treatment, in gum disease, is to reduce the pockets caused by toxic build up. Also, treatment entails smoothing the rough surfaces, eliminating plaque and calculus (tartar) around the teeth. A dentist or dental hygienist can treat gum disease using various approaches
Scaling and root planning: This include cleaning the rough areas on teeth surfaces which act reservoirs for bacteria
Bone grafts: adding bone to create a platform for regrowth and stability.
Soft Tissue Grafts: Adding soft tissue appropriately as needed by a specialist.
Prescription: the Dentist can opt to prescribe antibiotics, antifungals, and gels that help treat and stop the progression of the disease.
Gum recontouring: If the recession of your gums ends up giving you a “toothy” smile, your periodontist can re-contour the gingival tissue. The treatment will correct and even out your smile.
Unfortunately, Periodontitis is irreversible as the support structure of the bone and tissue, is already destroyed and irreparable. In extreme cases, the patient develops elongated teeth and permanently receded gums causing disfigurement. However, constructive and plastic surgeries are the corrective measure in such situations.
Are there Preventive Measure against Gum Disease?
Like with most circumstances, prevention is better than a cure to avoid severe consequences. It is good practice to maintain hygienic home care and to seek professional advice. Here are some ways to prevent gum disease:
Dental visits
Make due diligence to see your dentist at least twice annually to ascertain everything is in order. Your dentist is able to detect and stop gum disease before it develops and destroys your teeth and gums.
A dentist(or) specialist are able to tell you what may have caused the condition in the first place. Thus, armed with such information you are in a better position to stop a habit or activity if it is a contributing factor.
In addition, a professional carries out the necessary cleaning, exams, and x-rays that help preserve the natural dentition and proper support structures if need be.
Your dentist is skilled and trained to help halt the onset, progress, and repeated occurrence of periodontal disease.
Oral home care
Brush your teeth, properly, use a toothbrush structure to reach the not so easy to reach areas. Also, floss regularly, this dislodges the notorious plaque and leaves no room for bacteria growth. Flossing cleans the spaces between your teeth that are hard to manipulate using a toothbrush.
Nutrition
Eating healthily boosts your immune system and lowers chances of infection. Medical studies show Calcium and Vitamin D intake improves your bone density preventing osteoporosis, makes for better dentition, and tooth retention.
Bite
You may be in the habit of grinding or clenching your teeth, this will change your natural bite. With continuing habit of grinding will cause loss of vertical height and detrimental effects on the supporting tissue.
You can avoid periodontal disease by adopting healthy lifestyle, such as avoid smoking, eating healthy, and practicing good oral hygiene flossing and brushing. By visiting your dentist periodically.
Remember that your teeth are not only essential for chewing and enhancing your smile, but they are also part of your overall beauty, hence the need to be in good shape.
To schedule an appointment for routine checkup give us a call at (505)585-5157(or) email at apexdentalnm@gmail.com (or) simply fill out a form on our website.
