Understanding Gum Disease

What is Gum Disease? What causes it?

Gum disease is an infection of the gum tissues around your teeth. Often times gum disease is painless and can go undetected in those that rarely visit their Boise dentist for a Boise teeth cleaning. While everyone suffers from gum inflammation (gingivitis) at certain times in their life (caused by excess plaque forming on the teeth) it is important to note that not all inflammation develops into gum disease (periodontist).

It’s important to visit your Boise dentist for routine exams and cleanings as an excess in plaque build-up can lead to gingivitis. An early symptom of gingivitis is bleeding of the gums when brushing your teeth. If left untreated, gingivitis can lead to a more serious issue called periodontist (gum disease). Periodontist causes the inner layer of gum tissue and bone to pull away from the teeth and form pockets. These pockets then collect debris and can easily become infected.

Warning Signs & Symptoms

While many times gum disease can go undetected without any painful symptoms it’s important to prevent gingivitis or periodontal disease by practicing good oral habits and visiting your Boise dentist for a regular exam and Boise teeth cleaning. In some people gum disease often only affects certain teeth like molars. Often times the symptoms of periodontal disease are often subtle but there are still warning signs you should look out for:

• Swollen, red, tender or bleeding gums
• Gums that have pulled away from the teeth
• Loose or separating teeth
• Reoccurring bad breath or bad taste in the mouth
• Changes in dental work or the way your teeth fit together

Risk Factors

• Poor oral hygiene
• Smoking or chewing tobacco
• Genetics
• Crooked teeth that are hard to keep clean
• Hormones or pregnancy
• Diabetes
• Medications, including steroids, certain types of anti-epilepsy drugs, cancer therapy drugs, some calcium channel blockers and oral contraceptives

Treatment

There are a variety of treatments for gum disease ranging from nonsurgical therapy to restoration surgery depending on the stage of the disease and your overall health.

Non-surgical Treatments for Gum Disease:

• Professional Boise teeth cleaning
• Scaling and root planning – A deep-cleaning, nonsurgical procedure removing plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line.

Surgical Treatments for Gum Disease:

• Flap surgery/pocket reduction surgery
• Bone grafts
• Soft tissue grafts
• Guided tissue regeneration
• Bone surgery

Prevention is the key. Prevent gum disease with regular Boise dental checkups and exams are very important. Treatment methods depend greatly on the type of disease and how far it has progressed. Practicing good dental health habits are essential at preventing periodontal disease. Brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss regularly, exercise, eat a balanced diet and schedule regular Boise dental visits for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/g/gum-disease

http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/gum-disease-treatments