It’s simple to overlook the important role our gums play while concentrating on our oral health. However, if you have advanced periodontitis, you may be aware right now, possibly for the first time, of how important your gum health is. We know that it is an extremely worrying condition to be in, particularly if you have previously lost one or more teeth to the illness.
You’re probably concerned about losing other teeth, and you might need to figure out what to do next or what to anticipate from your therapy. Fortunately, there is hope; with prompt care, further harm can often be slowed or stopped, and your dentist can talk with you about options to restore your smile.
Defining gum disease
Periodontal gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss in adults. It is an inflammatory condition affecting the tissues surrounding your teeth. Although the illness often does not hurt in its early stages, it can cause serious tissue damage or even tooth and bone loss if untreated.
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Gingivitis, an inflammation of the gums brought on by bacterial infection resulting in plaque and tartar buildup, is a mild, early form of gum disease. However, more severe, chronic forms can cause significant soft tissue damage and even tooth loss. Most people experience a very slow progression of chronic periodontitis, the most severe type of condition, which often manifests itself more in adults. Controlling and treating periodontal disease early on can help keep it from worsening. Regular teeth cleaning in Calgary can help lower your risk of dental problems.
Difference between gum disease and periodontal disease
Both terms allude to gum tissue infection and inflammation brought on by oral bacteria. Gum disease can first appear minor; if you don’t visit the dentist regularly, you may not notice the warning signs at home until it has advanced to a serious stage.
What causes gum disease?
Food can sometimes become stuck below the gum line where our teeth and gums join. Plaque forms on the surface of your teeth when bacteria isn’t regularly removed by brushing and flossing. Tartar develops as plaque hardens over time. When the plaque penetrates below the gum line, the gums may inflame. The gums then get red, swell, and are more prone to bleeding. With proper brushing and flossing techniques and frequent dentist visits or dental cleanings, gingivitis may typically be reversed. You might be wondering how often should you prefer professional dental cleaning. Your dentist in Calgary will recommend how often to visit, based on your gum health.
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Periodontitis, when the gums peel away from the teeth and create larger areas (referred to as pockets) that get infected, can develop from untreated gingivitis. Plaque keeps spreading behind the gum line as the bacterial illness gets worse. The bone and connective tissue that keeps teeth in place may deteriorate as your body’s immune system battles the germs. If untreated, the supporting bones and soft tissues progressively deteriorate, which may necessitate tooth extraction as they become loose.
Symptoms of gum disease
When gums bleed
When you floss your teeth, do your gums bleed easily? Flossing itself is usually not the cause. Instead, this can be a sign of gingivitis, a gum infection and the first stage of gum disease. Fortunately, treating gum disease at this early stage is usually simpler. As a result, it is a good idea to see a dentist soon after you notice bleeding gums.
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Teeth become sensitive to heat and cold
Dental sensitivity is an issue that gum recession is also related to. Gum disease can force your gums to recede, which might reveal your teeth’s roots. As a result, external stimuli like sipping hot tea or a cold glass of water cause your teeth to become hypersensitive. Tooth sensitivity may be a sign of several oral health problems, including tooth decay, so it is worth having it checked by your dentist.
Elongated teeth
When teeth appear longer, this can indicate that your gum disease is getting worse. In reality, the gums pulling away from the tooth causes the appearance of longer teeth. Sadly, at this point, it is simple for germs and food particles to get stuck in the widening gum pockets. With a regular toothbrush, it might be challenging to effectively remove these particles, which eventually promotes the progression of gum disease. See your dentist if you start to notice that your teeth are starting to look longer.
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Inflamed gums
Have you noticed any discomfort or gum sensitivity? Are they red, or do they seem swollen? Even though these signs don’t necessarily indicate the presence of gum disease, they indicate inflamed gum tissue. Therefore, before the problem worsens, ensure you pay a visit to your dentist in Calgary.
High blood sugar
Unfortunately, high blood sugar increases the risk of developing gum disease and type 2 diabetes. People with type 2 diabetes are more likely to develop periodontitis. So talk to your doctor soon if you have possible signs of high blood sugar, such as excessive thirst, blurred vision, or frequent urination, and tell your dentist if you have diabetes.
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Bad breath
We have all had foul breath at some point, and it can usually be freshened by brushing, while breath mints or mouthwash may mask it for a short time. However, persistent foul breath could indicate poor dental health brought on by an overgrowth of bacteria, tooth decay, or even gum disease. The foul gases created by the bacteria covering your teeth, gums, and tongue typically give you persistent bad breath. A dental assessment and treatment can assist with chronically bad breath and its reasons, like the other warning symptoms.
Treatment for gum disease
Periodontitis can often be treated, with surgical and non-surgical options. Depending on your particular situation, including the severity of your periodontitis, your dentist will suggest a course of therapy. Scaling and root planing are nonsurgical procedures that are frequently combined.
Scaling entails cleaning the surfaces of your teeth and the area under your gums of bacteria. And root planing can smooth the root surfaces to help prevent further bacterial buildup. If you have advanced periodontitis, flap surgery or pocket reduction surgery may be an option, often through a referral to a periodontist (a gum specialist).
Book a dental visit if your gums bleed, look red or swollen, feel tender or have pulled back, or if you have loose teeth or bad breath that does not go away. If you have facial swelling with a fever, go to an emergency department or call Health Link 811 (24/7 advice from a registered nurse), and call 911 for trouble breathing or swallowing. Book online or call the clinic at 403-345-1110.
