Gum Disease
Spokane Valley, WA
Healthy gums are crucial for the maintenance of oral health. They are what hold your teeth in place and protect the teeth’s roots. Any damage to the gums can consequently damage your teeth as well. At Serenity Dental, we help prevent Periodontitis by helping you maintain optimal gum health.
What is Peridontitis?
Periodontitis is a common gum infection that damages the gum tissue. It is commonly known as gum disease and can cause substantial damage to the dental structure if left untreated. Over time, the infection not only destroys the gums but also seeps into the teeth’s roots and the adjacent jaw bone wreaking havoc on your dental structure.
You may end up losing a substantial amount of teeth because of the decaying supporting structure, and restoring it will be costly, time-consuming, and extremely painful. However, you can avoid it by identifying early gum disease symptoms and seeking proper treatment by a periodontist.
Symptoms of Periodontitis
Periodontitis is very easily identifiable by the naked eye. Natural healthy-looking gums are pink and fit snugly around your teeth, whereas infected gums show visible signs of infection. Symptoms include:
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Swollen bright red gums
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Bleeding gums (Pink tinged toothbrush, spitting out blood after flossing and brushing)
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Tender gums
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Gum inflammation - gingivitis
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Pus between the teeth and gums
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Bad breath
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Gap formation between teeth
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Pain when chewing
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Receding gums
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Change in the bite pattern/marks |
You need to visit your dentist as soon as you notice any of these symptoms. They are all representative of unhealthy gums and deteriorating oral health.
What Causes Peridontitis?
The main culprit behind Periodontitis is often plaque build-up as a result of poor oral hygiene. Plaque, if allowed to build up, develops a sticky film over your teeth, which mainly consists of bacteria. Though plaque is easy to remove, it rebuilds very quickly and can turn into tartar if you don’t brush your teeth twice a day or clean it properly.
Tartar is harder to clean, and simple brushing won’t do. You will have to go in for professional dental cleaning to get rid of it. If left untreated, the tartar becomes a breeding ground for bacteria, which can cause gingivitis.
Gingivitis is a mild gum disease in which bacteria build-up results in inflammation of the gums. It can be extremely painful and irritating and can eventually develop into Periodontitis. Gingivitis is easier to cure. All you need is professional dental cleaning and medication to get rid of the infection and restoring the gums to optimal health.
However, Periodontitis is more severe gum disease and can cause significant tissue and teeth loss overtime. It can also put substantial stress on the body’s immune system as it strives to fight infection and inflammation.
Preventing Periodontitis
Prevention is always better than cure. The best way to prevent the formation of plaque is to ensure optimal oral hygiene. Make sure your brush twice a day and clean your teeth with floss and mouthwash regularly. You should also get professional dental cleaning at least twice a year to get rid of plaque build-up your brush is unable to remove.
At Serenity Dental, we can help you take care of your oral hygiene to prevent gum diseases. Visit our clean for an oral checkup today to prevent disease progression and get proper treatment. You can also visit our website for further information. |
