Understanding Gum Disease in Modesto: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments
Periodontal disease, otherwise referred to as gum disease, is one of the most common dental conditions in Modesto, California. The effects range from mild inflammation of the gums to major tissue damage and loss of teeth. It can also bring about very serious health complications if left untreated.
Let's learn about causes, symptoms, and treatment available for gum disease.
Periodontal disease, otherwise referred to as gum disease, is one of the most common dental conditions in Modesto, California. The effects range from mild inflammation of the gums to major tissue damage and loss of teeth. It can also bring about very serious health complications if left untreated.
Let's learn about causes, symptoms, and treatment available for gum disease.
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is a type of bacterial infection that basically attacks the tissues holding your teeth in place. The initial development of the disease happens when plaque forms on the surfaces of your teeth. This eventually hardens to create tartar. As the bacteria multiply, you face irritation in the infected areas. It progresses in two main steps.
Stages of Gum Disease
Gum disease is a type of bacterial infection that basically attacks the tissues holding your teeth in place. The initial development of the disease happens when plaque forms on the surfaces of your teeth. This eventually hardens to create tartar. As the bacteria multiply, you face irritation in the infected areas. It progresses in two main steps.
Stages of Gum Disease
Gingivitis: This is the early stage, where the gums are red, swollen, and bleed easily. It can be treated easily.
Periodontitis: It’s the advanced stage where the inner layer of the gum begins to pull away from the teeth. This creates infected pockets and may even lead to bone and tissue loss.
Gingivitis: This is the early stage, where the gums are red, swollen, and bleed easily. It can be treated easily.
Periodontitis: It’s the advanced stage where the inner layer of the gum begins to pull away from the teeth. This creates infected pockets and may even lead to bone and tissue loss.
Causes of Gum Disease
There are several causes for gum disease. While the most common cause is bad oral hygiene, other contributing factors may also exist. The common causes of this include:
Poor oral hygiene: Poor brushing and flossing result in the build-up of plaque on the teeth.
Smoking or tobacco use: Tobacco could be the main risk factor to develop gum disease.
Hormonal changes: Changes in the levels brought about by pregnancy, menopause, or menstruation makes gums more sensitive to plaque.
Medical Conditions: Diabetes, heart disease, and other immune conditions can make patients more susceptible to gum disease.
Medications: Some medications can cause low saliva production, making one more vulnerable to gum infection.
Genetics: Some individuals are naturally at risk of gum infection because of their genetic background.
There are several causes for gum disease. While the most common cause is bad oral hygiene, other contributing factors may also exist. The common causes of this include:
Poor oral hygiene: Poor brushing and flossing result in the build-up of plaque on the teeth.
Smoking or tobacco use: Tobacco could be the main risk factor to develop gum disease.
Hormonal changes: Changes in the levels brought about by pregnancy, menopause, or menstruation makes gums more sensitive to plaque.
Medical Conditions: Diabetes, heart disease, and other immune conditions can make patients more susceptible to gum disease.
Medications: Some medications can cause low saliva production, making one more vulnerable to gum infection.
Genetics: Some individuals are naturally at risk of gum infection because of their genetic background.
Gum Disease Symptoms
Gum infection should be diagnosed early before it becomes worse. Look out for these:
- Red and swollen gums
- Bleeding with brushing or flossing
- Persistent bad smell despite brushing
- Gum recession, which causes sensitivity due to unnecessary exposure
- Loose or shifting teeth.
- Pain while chewing or sensitivity to hot and cold foods.
Steps of Diagnosis
Here's what you can expect during a periodontal examination:
Visual Examination: Dentists will check for inflammation, swelling, and bleeding of gums and mouth.
Measuring Gum Pockets: A dental probe measures the depth of the pockets between the gums and the teeth. If the gum pocket is more than 3mm, it shows signs of gum disease.
X-rays: X-rays are taken to check out the bone loss around the teeth because of periodontitis.
Gum infection should be diagnosed early before it becomes worse. Look out for these:
- Red and swollen gums
- Bleeding with brushing or flossing
- Persistent bad smell despite brushing
- Gum recession, which causes sensitivity due to unnecessary exposure
- Loose or shifting teeth.
- Pain while chewing or sensitivity to hot and cold foods.
Steps of Diagnosis
Here's what you can expect during a periodontal examination:
Visual Examination: Dentists will check for inflammation, swelling, and bleeding of gums and mouth.
Measuring Gum Pockets: A dental probe measures the depth of the pockets between the gums and the teeth. If the gum pocket is more than 3mm, it shows signs of gum disease.
X-rays: X-rays are taken to check out the bone loss around the teeth because of periodontitis.
Types of Treatment for Gum Diseases
Treatment for gum disease differs based on its advancement. The objective is infection control and preventing further degradation. Some of the standard treatments include:
Treatment for gum disease differs based on its advancement. The objective is infection control and preventing further degradation. Some of the standard treatments include:
1. Professional Cleaning
In this procedure, plaque and tartar are removed from teeth and the gum line by professional cleaning tools.
In this procedure, plaque and tartar are removed from teeth and the gum line by professional cleaning tools.
2. Scaling and Root Planning
These are deep cleaning procedures which are usually recommended for the treatment of moderate gum disease. Scaling removes tartar below the gum line, while root planning smoothens rough spots on the surface of tooth roots. These prevent recolonization of bacteria.
These are deep cleaning procedures which are usually recommended for the treatment of moderate gum disease. Scaling removes tartar below the gum line, while root planning smoothens rough spots on the surface of tooth roots. These prevent recolonization of bacteria.
3. Medications
Antimicrobial mouthwashes and oral or topical antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent infection.
Antimicrobial mouthwashes and oral or topical antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent infection.
4. Surgical Procedures
Surgical intervention in gum disease can take different forms like:
Flap surgery: The gum is flipped back to remove tartar. It follows reapplication to fit perfectly around the teeth.
Bone grafting: Lost bone can be replaced by a graft for healthy teeth.
Soft Tissue Grafts: This adjusts the reoccurring receding gums by moving tissue from the top of your mouth to the ailing section.
Gum Disease Prevention
The best solution to ensure healthy teeth and gums is protection. The ways of avoiding gum disease include the following:
Brushing and flossing on a regular basis: Regular brushing and flossing stops the accumulation of plaque.
Regular Check-Ups: Regular cleanings and exams can detect the early signs of gum disease.
Quit Smoking or Tobacco Products: Quitting smoking or tobacco products lessens the risk of suffering from gum disease.
Balance Diet: A diet packed with vitamins and minerals shall strengthen your gums.
Healthy Chronic Conditions: Manage chronic conditions such as diabetes correctly to minimize the risk for gum disease.
Brushing and flossing on a regular basis: Regular brushing and flossing stops the accumulation of plaque.
Regular Check-Ups: Regular cleanings and exams can detect the early signs of gum disease.
Quit Smoking or Tobacco Products: Quitting smoking or tobacco products lessens the risk of suffering from gum disease.
Balance Diet: A diet packed with vitamins and minerals shall strengthen your gums.
Healthy Chronic Conditions: Manage chronic conditions such as diabetes correctly to minimize the risk for gum disease.
Why Choose Paragon Dental for Gum Disease Treatment in Modesto?
Paragon Dental provides complete gum care at one place. Their experienced team uses advanced diagnostic technology to assess and create customized plans for all types of gum diseases. They also educate the patient about good oral hygiene and how it affects one's overall health.
Whether one experiences light symptoms or heavy treatment, Paragon Dental is available to be with compassionate and effective care. Timely treatment will save you from more severe complications.
Schedule an appointment at Paragon Dental today and flash your confident smile!
Whether one experiences light symptoms or heavy treatment, Paragon Dental is available to be with compassionate and effective care. Timely treatment will save you from more severe complications.
Schedule an appointment at Paragon Dental today and flash your confident smile!
.webp)
.webp)
Comments
Post a Comment