What is gum disease?
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is usually caused by a buildup of plaque near the gumline of your tooth. When regularly brushing and flossing doesn’t remove this plaque, it can harden into tartar.
Plaque continues building up over tartar, leading to gum irritation, swelling, and redness. This is the first stage of gum disease and is known as gingivitis. If gingivitis is left untreated, periodontal disease can develop.
Prevention is the best way to avoid periodontal disease. Dr. Beal and his associates can help by providing good dental hygiene strategies and by removing tartar buildup during regular dental cleanings.
What are the symptoms of gum disease?
The common symptoms of gum disease include:
- Loose teeth
- Chronic bad breath
- Pain when chewing or eating
- Swollen, red, and sore gums
- Gums pulling away from teeth
- Changes in your bite alignment
- Large spaces forming between teeth
- Teeth that appear longer than normal
- Gums that bleed from flossing and brushing
When left untreated, periodontal disease can cause heart disease and diabetes and has also been linked to low birth weights and premature delivery in pregnant women.
Who is at risk of developing periodontal disease?
Using tobacco products and practicing poor dental hygiene significantly increases your risk of gum disease. Additional factors that increase your risk include:
- A family history of gum disease
- Certain medications that reduce saliva
- Fluctuations in women’s hormones, especially during pregnancy
Some health conditions can also negatively affect your gum health such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer, HIV, and osteoporosis.
How do you treat gum disease?
Periodontists, dental specialists recognized by the American Dental Association for treating the soft tissue and bone supporting the teeth and jaw, treat gum disease.
A variety of gentle, safe, and effective periodontal therapy treatments offered by Tracy L. Murphy, DMD & Associates include:
- Nonsurgical treatment: an ultrasonic cleaning device removes plaque and tartar
- Periodontal surgery: surgically removing and replacing diseased tissue or bone
- Dental implants: implanting synthetic tooth roots to restore oral health and smile
Your periodontist might also recommend at-home treatments like special toothpaste, mouthwash, toothbrushes, or prescription treatment trays to treat your condition.
Call Tracy L. Murphy, DMD & Associates or schedule an appointment online to evaluate and improve your gum health today.
