Your Gums Are Home To Your Teeth – Keep Them Strong!

                                                                                         

Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is something you don’t want to take lightly. A link has been found between the inflammation of gum disease and the inflammation associated with cardiovascular disease. So taking care of your mouth can help your heart. Don’t be surprised if your heart doctor asks to look at your mouth!

Gum disease starts with inflammation caused by bacteria on your teeth. This is plaque and it should be removed with regular brushing and flossing. If you leave plaque behind, it will harden into tartar and require a dental hygienist for its removal. This bacteria irritates the gums and causes them to recede. If ignored this can cause tooth loss or even affect the jawbone. People who smoke are more likely to have gum disease because smoking interferes with their ability to fight infection.

There are dental treatments for gum disease. The least invasive are cleaning procedures called scaling and root planing. This removes tartar from along the root of the tooth. This is usually followed by treatment with antibiotics. You will need to keep up with proper dental care and regular cleanings.

If scaling and planing do not stop the progression of gum disease, periodontal surgery may be suggested as the next dental treatment for gum disease. This kind of surgery can involve different procedures. One is reducing the pockets that form around the tooth as the gums recede. Another dental treatment is to use soft tissue grafts to cover the exposed tooth root. Tissue from the roof of the mouth and placed over the tooth root to keep the gum from receding further and from allowing bone loss. This can also reduce the sensitivity caused by the exposed tooth root. After this kind of surgery the periodontist may prescribe a mouthwash that contains antibiotics.

The important thing to remember is to stop gum disease before it proceeds and causes irreversible damage to your gums, teeth, and bones. When gum disease cannot be stopped with good oral hygiene, then your periodontist will clean below the gum line in a procedure called scaling. Surgery is the last resort with pocket reduction and soft tissue grafts. You’ll need to follow-up with excellent oral hygiene.

Your teeth and gums are essential to your good health. Protect them and your heart by stopping gum disease. Tooth loss is unnecessary if you fight periodontal disease. See your periodontist for the best dental treatments for gum disease.

About the author:
Cosmetic dentists use treatments such as teeth whitening and placement of dental implants to improve your smile's appearance.

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