Get Your Gums Checked And Treated | Gum Disease

Gingivitis & Periodontitis

When To Get Your Gums Checked And Treated

Oral care doesn’t end with the care of our teeth. Proper care must be given to the teeth as well as the gums to keep all kinds of dental diseases away. However, our gums face a lot of issues when our teeth aren’t taken care of in a good manner. So it becomes necessary to make sure that you tend to your teeth well so that you can prevent issues with your gums as well in the future. There are a few gum diseases that one may encounter when they aren’t maintained well.

Our mouths are full of bacteria. These bacteria, along with mucus and other particles, constantly form a sticky, colourless plaque on teeth. Brushing and flossing help get rid of plaque. Plaque that is not removed can harden and form tartar that cannot be cleaned with the help of regular brushing of the teeth. Only a professional cleaning by a dentist or dental hygienist can remove tartar and also aid in your gum disease treatment. The longer the plaque and tartar are on teeth, the more harmful they become.

What Are Gingivitis?

The bacteria that cause the inflammation of the gums is called gingivitis. In gingivitis, the gums become red, swollen and can bleed easily. Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease that can usually be prevented with daily brushing and flossing and regular cleaning by a dentist or dental hygienist. This form of gum disease does not include any loss of bone and tissue that hold teeth in place.

What Are Periodontitis?

Once the issue with gingivitis is not treated then it can advance to periodontitis which means inflammation around the tooth. In periodontitis, the gums pull away from the teeth and form spaces that later become infected. The body’s immune system then fights the bacteria as the plaque spreads and grows below the gum line. Bacterial toxins and the body’s natural response to infection start to break down the bone and connective tissues that hold the teeth in place. If these gum diseases are not tended to and treated, the bones, gums, and tissue that support the teeth are destroyed. And later on, the teeth may eventually become loose and will have to be removed.

Risk Factors

Smoking: Smoking is one of the most significant risk factors associated with the development of gum disease. Additionally, smoking can also lower the chances for successful treatment.
Hormonal changes in girls/women: These changes can make gums more sensitive and make it easier for gingivitis to develop.
Diabetes: People with diabetes are at higher risk for developing infections, including gum disease.
Other illnesses and their treatments: Diseases such as AIDS and its treatments can negatively affect the health of gums, as can treatments for cancer.
Few Medications: There are hundreds of prescription and over the counter medications that can reduce the flow of saliva, which has a protective effect on the mouth. Without enough saliva, the mouth is vulnerable to infections such as gum disease. And some medicines can cause abnormal overgrowth of the gum tissue; this can make it difficult to keep teeth and gums clean.

How Are They Treated?

The main goal of the treatment is to control the spreading of the infection. The number and types of treatment will vary, depending on the extent of the gum disease. Any type of treatment requires the patient to keep up good dental care at home. Your dentist may also suggest changing certain behaviours, as a way to improve treatment outcome.

Are you suffering from any of the symptoms mentioned above? Then it is wise to run to your dentist to get it checked for your gum disease treatment.

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