Proper dental hygiene, including brushing, flossing, fluoride use, and regular dental examinations and cleanings, is necessary for more than just cosmetic reasons. One of the consequences of not taking good care of teeth and gums is gum disease, which is also called periodontal disease. There are three stages of this disease, and if it is caught early enough, steps can be taken to prevent it from getting worse. Unfortunately, the disease is irreversible. If it remains untreated, the results may include infection and tooth loss. While pain and visible symptoms do not always accompany the early stages of gum disease, certain factors exist that encourage the progression of the disease. Identification of those issues will enable interventions to stop the disease from advancing.
Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease, where plaque on the teeth hardens into tartar and begins to accumulate between the teeth and on the gum line. In the early stages of gingivitis, a patient may not notice any symptoms, but a dentist will be able to catch them during a professional exam. Gingivitis is treatable with good oral hygiene and professional care. However, once the disease begins progressing, it develops into periodontitis, which is a more serious condition with signs and symptoms that become obvious to the patient.
Changes in the gums are the main signs of periodontal disease. In the earlier stages of gingivitis, the gums may be irritated, inflamed, puffy, and feel tender to the touch. The gums may also change color, appearing purplish, bright red, or dusky red.
Periodontal disease causes gums to bleed more than usual. While occasional bleeding gums may occur from over-zealous brushing, using a hard-bristled toothbrush, or flossing too deep, gums that bleed frequently or easily may be cause for concern. Watch for a pink tint to the toothbrush after brushing, or for blood in the sink when spitting after brushing or flossing. Healthy gums should not bleed regularly.
While pain is not a symptom of early periodontitis, as the disease progresses, the gums may become painful. The more severe stages of the disease also result in gums that pull away from the teeth, causing teeth to appear longer than normal. As the infection worsens, a patient may also notice a pus-like discharge from the gums.
Most people experience bad breath at some point, but if someone has persistent bad breath, this may be an indication of gum disease. This disease occurs due to a buildup of bacteria around the teeth and gums. These bacteria release gasses that cause smelly breath. In addition, blood in the mouth from bleeding gums can result in a persistent bad taste as well as bad breath.
As the periodontal disease gets worse, and the gums pull away from the teeth, the roots of the teeth begin to be exposed. Because they are not protected by enamel-like teeth, they are sensitive to cold and hot temperatures. There are numerous causes of tooth sensitivity, but it can also indicate the disease of the gums.
When teeth roots are exposed for some time, the teeth lose stability. The toxins released from tartar beneath the gum line also attack the bone and supportive connective tissue in the gums. This may result in loose teeth, which can cause changes to your bite as well. This sign indicates late-stage gum disease. If a patient reaches this point, it may be too late to save the tooth, and it would possibly need to be extracted. Surgery is an additional treatment option that may be necessary for the more advanced stages of periodontitis.
Anyone can be prone to periodontal disease, but certain factors increase the risk. Smoking is one of the biggest ones, as smokers develop gum disease twice as often as non-smokers. Other factors include genetics, hormone changes in females, diabetes, certain illnesses and their treatments, and medications that reduce the production of saliva or cause gum tissue overgrowth.
People who have any of these risk factors may want to visit the dentist more often than the recommended twice a year. This improves the chances that gum disease will be caught and treated right away.
Untreated gum disease can lead to a variety of unwanted dental consequences. Periodontitis can be avoided with proper dental hygiene and regular professional cleanings and examinations. It is important to know what the signs are so treatment can be sought before the issue affects important life functions.
Request an appointment here: https://www.johnscreekteeth.com or call Johns Creek Dentistry at (770) 623-1427 for an appointment in our Johns Creek office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Gum Disease in Johns Creek, GA.
Healthy oral habits can prevent issues that may lead to infections such as gum disease. This problem, also known as gingivitis, can be common in both children and adults; however, if it is left untreated, it may worsen and cause serious discomfort or cause secondary infections within the body. Oral treatments such as scaling and…
When it comes to oral health, the condition of the gums can be key. Proper brushing, flossing and the prevention of gingivitis can support good gum health; however, when individuals suffer from crooked teeth, an underbite or an overbite and choose to get braces, this may cause problems with the gingiva. Dental patients who want…
A preventative dentistry question people commonly have is, "what stains teeth the most?" We will look at some of the foods and beverages that are teeth staining to help you avoid these and keep a white smile longer. There are lots of different foods that can stain teeth. Some are well known and obvious. Blueberries, for…
When it comes to preventive dental care, the approach is two-fold. First, it involves going to the dentist for regular checkups and performing any recommended follow-up treatment. Second, good oral health habits are crucial for keeping the body in good working order. For people living with chronic conditions such as diabetes and osteoporosis, keeping up…
An impacted wisdom tooth requires emergency dentistry treatment. This type of tooth develops underneath the gums. It typically does not erupt above the gumline because there is no room for it. Impaction causes severe, distracting pain. If you want to know why you should go to an emergency dentistry facility for impacted wisdom tooth treatment,…
Seeing an emergency dentistry professional can correct a persistent dental issue. Many people suffer from recurring problems in their teeth or gums. This can lead to regular absences at work or school. Stopping the chronic problem can improve your quality of life.If patients want to know if emergency dentistry can prevent a recurring issue, here…