Did you know that gum disease affects around 80% of the American population at some point in their lives? This common disease starts with relatively harmless and reversible symptoms, but if left untreated, it can result in bone loss, bone damage, and loss of teeth. The key is to identify your symptoms early to prevent this disease from affecting your jawbone and teeth. Keep reading to learn whether or not you need gum disease treatment in Duncanville as well as some of the common signs and symptoms of this disease.
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is an infection or inflammation of your gums and supporting tissue. The earliest stage of this disease, gingivitis, can be reversed through good oral healthcare at home like brushing and flossing, along with routine visits to your dentist. However, if your disease persists past the beginning stages, you have periodontitis. At this stage, your disease has the potential to not only damage your gums, but it can affect your jawbone and teeth, too.
What Are The Symptoms Of Gum Disease?
Because the earliest stage of gum disease is still reversible, it’s vital to your oral health to be able to detect some of the most common signs and symptoms:
- Bright red or purplish gums
- Swollen or puffy gums
- Gums that hurt or feel tender when touched
- Gums that bleed during brushing or flossing
- Persistent bad breath
- Painful chewing
- A change in your bite
- Receding gums
What Causes Gum Disease?
The most common cause of gum disease is plaque buildup that isn’t cleaned away by brushing and flossing. Plaque can harden into tartar, which can separate your gums from your teeth, causing some of the symptoms mentioned above. There are also a number of factors that can increase your risk of gum disease:
- Poor oral health habits
- Smoking or chewing tobacco
- Old age
- Obesity
- Genetics
- Poor nutrition
How Is Gum Disease Treated?
If your gum disease persists, you may need treatment. Thankfully, your dentist in Duncanville can expertly treat gum disease using these procedures:
Scaling & Root Planing
Also known as a deep cleaning, scaling and root planing involves cleaning away plaque and tartar from on and underneath the gumline. Then, your dentist will smooth out your tooth roots to make it less likely for plaque to collect under your gumline in the future.
Periochip Treatment
Your dentist can also use a periochip to eliminate bacteria under your gumline. By inserting a tiny yet powerful antimicrobial chip that dissolves over the course of a few days, your dentist can eliminate left over bacteria in your gums.
Does it sound like your gums could benefit from treatment? Contact your dentist to get help for your oral health before the problem gets more severe.