Periodontal Maintenance and Care Periodontitis is also known as gum disease, this condition begins with bacteria growth in your mouth and it can destroy the tissue that surrounds your teeth. The inner layer of the gums and bones of a person with periodontitis will pull away from the teeth and begin to form pockets, these provide a space for infection. The plaque will grow beneath the gum line and as it spreads your body’s immune system will attack the bacteria. The combined toxins produced by the bacteria and enzymes involved in fighting infection will begin to break down the tissue surrounding your teeth. If the disease progresses, the pockets will grow deeper, and more tissue and bone will be destroyed. As this happens, teeth become loose because they will no longer be anchored in place. Gingivitis disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. At this stage, irreversible bone and tissue damage can occur. Gingivitis can precede periodontitis, so it is important to catch gum disease at this stage.The Difference Between Gingivitis and Gum Disease?Gingivitis is gum inflammation caused by an overgrowth of dental plaque or bacterial infection, in addition to improper dental hygiene. When you forget to brush, floss, and use mouthwash, a plaque film made up of bacteria and food will build up around your teeth. The acids released by plaque damage your tooth’s enamel and cause decay. It takes seventy-two hours for plaque to harden and become tartar, which inflames your gums and causes gingivitis. Gingivitis precedes periodontitis, but not all gingivitis leads to gum disease. This infection is common, you may get gingivitis at some point in your life. Symptoms include gums that are: sensitive, red, swollen, and bleed while being brushed. Typically, the symptoms of gingivitis are mild and easy to ignore. However, doing so will cause the issue to turn into a bigger problem. What Causes Gum Disease?Hormonal changes that occur can cause gum disease by making gums sensitive and making it easier to develop gingivitis, these changes include: puberty, menopause, menstruation, and pregnancy. Illnesses that affect the immune system can affect your oral health. Diabetes impedes the use of blood sugar in a patient's body causing them to be at a higher risk of developing infections like gum disease. Medications can also affect the condition of gums because they can lessen the flow of saliva or even cause the growth of gum tissue. The development of gingivitis can also be attributed to a family history of dental diseases. How Can Gum Disease Be Treated?You can prevent or even reverse gum disease by brushing, and flossing your teeth, also by visiting your dentist every six months to have your teeth cleaned. Options for treating gum disease include nonsurgical therapy and restorative surgery. Professional dental cleaning and deep cleaning is known as scaling are the only nonsurgical treatments. Otherwise, your dentist can perform pocket reduction surgery, bone surgery, or guided tissue regeneration. Allow our dentists at Rush Creek Dentistry to handle your individual case with the best treatment. Let us be your trusted care provider by calling 682-277-0535. |
 |
