WHAT IS PERIODONTAL DISEASE?
Periodontal gum disease refers to the issues in and around your gums. Some people simply refer to this as gum disease, which is common among many adults. Periodontal gum disease varies in severity, however in all cases it should be immediately seen to in order to fix any issues that you have. Dr. Keith Nguyen and Pro Dental Group work diligently with patients who have gum disease in order to help them work towards better overall oral health.
No matter how much you brush or floss, your mouth is full of bacteria. Granted, the more that you brush, the more likely it is that you’ll get rid of and cleanse your mouth of these bacteria. However, there are plenty of improper cleaning techniques that can leave traces and particles of remaining debris, which can cause gum disease. It is best that you brush, floss and use mouthwash on a daily basis in order to help you prevent getting periodontal gum disease. Therefore, individuals who are only brushing and failing to floss or use mouthwash are running the risk of plaque building up and causing much more concerning issues around their gums.
It’s also important to keep in mind that when plaque is not removed properly, it can quickly harden and become what is known as tarter. This is a much more serious issue, and only a dentist can use their high-powered and specialized tools to remove tarter from your mouth and from around your gums.
When tarter and plaque go for prolonged periods in your mouth without being removed, they can seep into your gums. This bacterium can then build up over a period of time and begin to cause inflammation inside of your mouth. If you notice that your gums are a reddish color and are bleeding easily, then you may have what is known as gingivitis. While your body will do its best to fight off these infections and heal itself of gingivitis, the longer it goes unattended to, the more likely that this can turn into periodontal gum disease. As you can probably tell, it’s much better to get things seen to early, before it become a major issue.
What Are Some Symptoms of Gum Disease?
If you notice that your teeth are turning red or bleeding, as mentioned above, you should consider contacting your dentist immediately. When seen to early enough, dentists can work to help you avoid periodontal gum disease by cleansing the area and working to rid of gingivitis. However, if you let this go for much too long, then your next trip to the dentist may be met with the news that you have periodontal gum disease.
There are a variety of individuals who should be concerned with the risk of periodontal gum disease, as there are plenty of factors that go into an increased likelihood of acquiring the disease. Some of those factors include:
Smoking
Diabetes
Oral illnesses
Hormonal changes
Certain medications
In some cases, periodontal gum disease can also be hereditary. Therefore, if anyone in your family has periodontal gum disease, be sure to let your dentist know so they can specifically check this in and around your gums.
Some symptoms that you can also look out for that could lead to periodontal gum disease include:
Lasting bad breath that will not go away
Tender, swollen or bleeding gums
Loose or sensitive teeth
Receding gum line
If any of these symptoms arise in your mouth, let your dentist know so he can check to see if you have gum disease. By doing a simple x-ray, your dentist can diagnosis and treat issues with gum disease.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF PERIODONTAL TREATMENT?
Having periodontal gum disease can be incredibly painful and also quite off-putting. Having to explain why your gums are red or bleeding is never a conversation you want to have with people. Furthermore, if you notice that these circumstances are happening to you, it’s likely that you will be self-conscious and embarrassed by the look of your mouth. Therefore, you may avoid smiling or even speaking in public settings.
However, by getting periodontal gum disease figured out quickly, your dentist can work to fix all of these issues and problems. The end result will be a healthy mouth with gums that are not in pain or visibly unpleasant.
What Type of Maintenance Can You Do To Avoid Periodontal Gum Disease?
If you have yet to get periodontal gum disease, it is in your best interest to keep it that way. In order to do this, you should maintain your oral health and do all that you can to keep your gums and teeth clean. Brushing twice a day is recommended, but brushing after every meal will help even more. And while some people choose to put off flossing, you should truly be doing this on a daily basis as well. Flossing will reach places that your tooth brush can’t and it’ll also help break up plaque that your toothbrush leaves behind.
And of course, you should plan to see your dentist at least twice a year in order ensure that you are not at risk of contracting periodontal gum disease. A dentist can help you clean your teeth by breaking away plaque and tarter, while also checking the rest of your gums and teeth to see if you have any other concerns.
Keep in mind that even if you have periodontal gum disease, you can still see your dentist to find resolutions to get rid of it. Some possible options include medication or surgical procedures. Your dentist will give you the best options, which you can take into consideration. However, letting gum disease go unattended can lead to much more concerning issues in your mouth, so it’s best to get it seen to sooner than later.
WHY CHOOSE PRO DENTAL GROUP FOR YOUR PERIODONTAL TREATMENT IN ROCKLIN, CA
Dr. Nguyen and Pro Dental Group have over a decade of experience working with families in California. During this time, they have worked on a variety of different oral health issues, including a fair share of periodontal gum disease patients. When it comes to getting healthy gums and getting back on track to a beautiful smile, you can trust in Dr. Nguyen for all of your dental needs.