Gum disease is more than a problem just for those suffering from sleep apnea in Everett. Gum disease can affect anyone. Those wondering about problems it can cause should look no further than studies pointing to issues like different heart problems. Look into what it means to have gum disease and what someone can expect in terms of treatment for this dreaded problem.
Causes Of Gum Disease
Periodontal disease is caused mainly by plaque around the teeth. Plaque is bacteria attached to the teeth. Each day, brushing and flossing remove plaque, but there can be build up that hardens into tartar. The tartar will need to be taken care of during a professional cleaning and could cause inflammation in the gums as well as damage to teeth without proper care. There are risk factors to consider, and smoking is a major risk factor that works to deteriorate dental as well as overall health over time.
There are health issues that can cause someone to be more likely to have gum disease. One issue is hormonal changes in women and girls experienced in times such as puberty, pregnancy, or menopause. For these cases, a gynecologist can assist with a patient’s care as they prescribe their own treatments, as well as advice about taking care of the underlying causes. Cancer and cancer treatments can make someone prone to having issues with the teeth and gums as well. People with diabetes and AIDS are more likely to suffer problems with their teeth and gums, one such issue including gum disease.
Symptoms To Watch Out For
There are symptoms that will let someone know if they have gum disease, but many times it happens without someone knowing they have it. Some of the signs that appear in patients with gum disease are:
- Swelling, red and tender gums; bleeding while brushing and flossing.
- Receding gum lines.
- Sensitive teeth, or loose teeth with alignment falling off.
- Pain when chewing that persistently increases while chewing.
- Frequent bad breath unaffected by brushing or using mouth wash.
Treatments
To treat gum disease, a dentist will start with a professional cleaning; during a professional cleaning there will be scaling which gets the tartar off of teeth and below the gum line. The dentist will do root planing as well to address more serious cases, which smoothes the teeth to remove tartar. Medications are given to reduce the inflammation, including antibiotics and acetaminophen. Antiseptic mouthwash may be used to help with plaque but should be used in conjunction with a full treatment plan.
Surgery is the last option for the treatment of gum disease. Flap surgery lifts the gum around the tooth and cleans the tooth of tartar. The gum is then put back over the tooth. Grafts can be done using bone or skin. In these procedures, the skin is put in place of the lost area left behind when the gum has receded. A graft using bone happens when there is a need for added stability.
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