What To Do If You Have These Gum Disease Symptoms
Have you noticed any blood in your sink recently when brushing your teeth? That bleeding could be one of the first signs that you have gum disease.
Gingivitis is a less severe form of the disease. When you have this, only your gums are infected. However, if the infection is not treated immediately, it can spread below the gum line and into the bone. Periodontitis is a more serious form of gum disease, develops next.
Diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis, pneumonia, and cancer have all been linked to gingivitis and periodontitis. Again, early detection is your best bet.
Symptoms of Gum Disease
Many people do not realize they have gum disease. It is possible to have gingivitis without experiencing any symptoms. However, the following symptoms of gum disease can occur:
- Gums that are swollen, red, or tender
- Bleeding when you brush or floss your teeth
- Gums that have separated from your teeth
- Loose teeth
- Alterations in the way your teeth bite together (malocclusion)
- Pus in the space between your teeth and gums
- Chewing discomfort
- Teeth sensitivity
- Partial dentures that are no longer functional
- Foul-smelling breath that persists even after you brush your teeth
Gum Disease Treatment
The goal is to keep your infection under control and treat it. First, the dentist in Tampa, FL will assess the situation to determine where to begin. They will start with the following:
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- Deep cleaning
A thorough cleaning is the first line of treatment against gum disease. Deep cleaning, as opposed to regular cleaning, which is typically performed only above the gum line, is performed below the gum line. The dentist will also use special instruments.
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- Scaling
Scaling is a procedure that can be performed by your dentist. This includes scraping tartar from above and below the gum line. Root planing is another procedure that they may perform. That is when the rough surfaces of your teeth roots are smoothed out. It helps to reattach your gums to your tooth. Both methods may necessitate multiple visits to the dentist.
Medication is also another method of treating gum disease. With medication, There is no magic pill that can cure gum disease. Nonetheless, as part of your treatment, the dentist may prescribe the following periodontal therapy options:
- Antiseptic chips or antibiotic microspheres: These tiny gels or particles are inserted into pockets in your gums and slowly release medication over time to help reduce the pocket size and eliminate bacteria.
- Antibiotic gel: This is applied to gum pockets after a thorough cleaning to aid in infection control.
- Enzyme Suppressant. Take this tablet after a thorough cleaning to prevent certain enzymes in your mouth from breaking down gum tissue.
If deep cleaning isn’t enough to solve the problem, surgery may be required. Your dentist may recommend that you:
- Gum graft surgery: A surgeon covers exposed tooth roots with tissue from another part of your mouth (such as your palate), preventing bone loss or decay and relieving sensitive teeth.
- Flap surgery involves lifting your gums to allow the surgeon access to tartar deep beneath your gum line. The gum is then stitched back into place so that it is tight around your tooth, preventing more tartar from forming.
Your dentist at New Tampa Smiles may also advise using antimicrobial mouthwash. To help control bacteria, swish this as part of your daily brushing routine. It is available both by prescription and without a prescription.
How To Prevent Gum Or Periodontal Disease?
Periodontitis is best avoided by practicing good oral hygiene from a young age and continuing to do so throughout your life.
Oral hygiene is crucial. Ensure that you brush your teeth twice a day, both morning and before bed — and flossing once daily is part of this. Flossing before brushing allows you to remove loosened food particles and bacteria. Good oral hygiene keeps the environment around your teeth from becoming favorable to the bacteria that cause periodontal disease.
Regular dental checkups. Cleanings should be done regularly, usually every six to twelve months, by your dentist in Tampa, FL or a dental hygienist. If you have risk factors for periodontitis, such as a family history of the disease, If you have risk factors for periodontitis, such as dry mouth, taking certain medications, or smoking, you may require professional cleaning more frequently.