Gum disease also referred to as periodontitis, begins with bacterial growth in your mouth and may end with tooth loss if not properly treated. Tooth loss takes place due to the destruction of the gum tissue that surrounds your teeth. Gum disease is common but largely preventable. It’s usually a result of poor oral hygiene in most people. Brushing at least twice a day, flossing daily, and getting regular dental checkups can help improve your chances of successful treatment of gum disease. Here is everything you need to know about gum disease.
How Do You Get Gum Disease?
Gum disease is usually caused by a build-up of plaque and tartar on the teeth. Dental plaque is a thin film of bacteria and it continuously forms on the surface of your teeth. As the plaque buildup advances, it hardens and becomes tartar. If you do not remove the tartar and plaque from your teeth by regularly brushing and flossing between them, your gums will be irritated and infected by bacteria resulting in bone loss and gum recession.
Gum disease can also be a result of irregular dental exams. Sometimes, your brush and floss may not reach some areas of your mouth and teeth. In these hard-to-reach areas, plaque and tartar build-up can cause gum disease. However, with daily brushing and regular dental checkups, plaque and tartar can be removed through professional dental cleaning. Gum disease may also be a result of genetics. There are some families that are at a greater risk of developing gum disease than others.
How to Treat Gum Disease
The main goal of treatment is to control the infection and prevent further damage to the gums and bone that support your teeth. Your dentist will check your teeth and gums and may take some X-rays to check your bone levels. Here are some of the treatment options:
- Deep cleaning: The first gum disease treatment is always in-depth cleaning. Your dentist may do nonsurgical treatments like scaling and root planing. Scaling and root planing involves scraping off tartar both above and especially below the gum line.
- Medication: While there is no magic pill that can instantly cure gum disease, the good news is that your dentist may prescribe medication as part of treatment. Some of the options available include:
- An antiseptic chip or antibiotic microspheres.
- Antibiotic gel.
- Oral antibiotics.
- Gum graft surgery.
- Flap surgery.
- In some cases of severe gum disease, a referral to the Periodontist is needed to explore more treatment options
How to Prevent Gum Disease
Here is how to prevent gum disease and support good oral health:
- Brush your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day.
- Clean in between your teeth every day using floss.
- Replace the toothbrush every 3 to 4 months.
- Use an antiseptic mouth rinse
- See a dentist for regular checkups and regular cleanings.
Why Choose Junction Dental?
At Junction Dental, we offer a high standard of care for all patients with periodontal disease. We provide excellent clarity and justification when deciding if a deep dental cleaning is necessary. You can count on our experience and professionalism in every aspect of your care. If you ever have any questions, please feel free to ask us. We do everything we can to ensure you understand the process, the costs, and the reasons for treatment. Maintain good oral hygiene and healthy gums by scheduling an appointment with us today!