Are you experiencing bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, or loose teeth? Don’t brush off these warning signs! Gum disease can wreak havoc on your oral health if left untreated. But fear not – we’re here to shed light on this common dental issue and show you how a periodontist in Phoenix can be your ultimate ally in the fight against gum disease. So sit back, relax, and let’s dive into everything you need to know about keeping your gums healthy and vibrant!
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is the most common type of oral disease in the United States. The American Dental Association (ADA) reports that it affects more than 50 million people, with a cost of more than $27 billion annually. Gum disease develops when bacteria break down the tissues that hold teeth in place and causes inflammation and decay. Symptoms can include toothache, changes in tooth color, or sensitivity to cold or hot foods. Treatment typically includes antibiotics and antiseptics to kill the bacteria, cleanings, root planing to remove necrotic tissue and replacement of missing teeth. gum disease
There are several risk factors for developing gum disease, including smoking, poor oral hygiene habits, lack of dental insurance or a shortage of dentists who offer treatment, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Age is also a factor; the elderly are at an increased risk for developing advanced stages of gum disease due to a combination of other health problems and less active oral hygiene. Periodontitis is the most common form of gum disease and occurs when plaque accumulates on the surface of teeth over time. This plaque can contain bacteria that can cause damage to the gums and bone around your teeth. Periodontitis is often treated with antibiotics and periodontal therapy (a combination of care such as cleansings, sealants, and dental implants). If left untreated, periodontitis can lead to loss of teeth and severe damage to the jawbone
Causes of Gum Disease
Gum disease is a serious problem that can lead to tooth loss. There are many causes of gum disease, but the most common ones include tooth decay, gingivitis (a mild form of gum disease), and periodontitis (a more severe form of gum disease).
Tooth decay occurs when food and bacteria stick to the teeth and break down the tooth’s hard outer shell. This process can happen over time if you don’t brush and floss your teeth regularly or if you have plaque build-up on your teeth. Gingivitis is a less serious form of gum disease that affects the gums only. It can be caused by a number of things, including Smoking, poor oral hygiene habits, genetics, and certain medications. Periodontitis is the most serious form of gum disease. It affects the tissues around your teeth and can lead to tooth loss if left untreated.
If you have gum disease, your dentist may recommend treatments such as scaling and root planing (to remove tartar buildup), sealants (to prevent cavities from forming), antibiotics (to treat any underlying infections), and/or oral surgery (to remove diseased or damaged tissue). If you think you have gum disease, it’s important to see a dentist for an evaluation. A periodontist can help determine whether you have any other underlying problems that are causing your symptoms, and he or she can provide treatment recommendations specific to your case.
Types of Gum Disease
Gum disease is a bacterial infection of the gums that can lead to tooth loss. There are three main types of gum disease: periodontitis, Gingivitis, and Periapical Periodontitis.
Periodontitis is the most common form of gum disease, affecting up to 60 percent of adults over age 50. It’s caused by an accumulation of plaque and bacteria on the teeth and around the gum line. The bacteria attacks the connective tissue surrounding your teeth, causing inflammation and loosening of the teeth. Periodontitis can progress to Gingivitis if it doesn’t get treated.
Gingivitis is an infection of the gums that can cause redness, swelling, and pain. It’s most commonly caused by Streptococcus mutans (a type of bacterium). Gingivitis causes your gums to become less supportive of your teeth, which can lead to tooth loss. If left untreated, Gingivitis can progress to Periapical Periodontitis, a more serious form of gum disease that affects the bone around your teeth.
If you have any questions about gum disease or want to schedule a consultation with a periodontist, please don’t hesitate to call our office at (480) 744-3881 or book an appointment online today!
Symptoms of Gum Disease
Gum disease is a condition in which the gums become infected and inflamed. The infection can spread to other parts of the mouth, including the tongue, and cause oral pain, toothaches, and difficulty swallowing. Gum disease begins as a small infection in one or more teeth that spreads through saliva and bacteria.
The most common symptom of gum disease is an increase in toothaches. Other symptoms may include:
- A change in the color, shape, or size of your gums
- A change in the way your teeth look or feel
- Bad breath
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing
How a Periodontist Can Help with Gum Disease
Gum disease is a condition that can cause inflammation and redness around the gums. It affects both adults and children and can be caused by several factors, including poor oral hygiene habits, smoking, and diabetes. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss.
A periodontist can help diagnose gum disease and treat it with antibiotics or surgery. In some cases, treatment may involve removal of the affected teeth. Periodontal therapy, which involves cleaning and treating the gum tissue with special products, may also be necessary in some cases. If gum disease is left untreated, it can lead to other health problems such as heart disease and stroke.
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, it is important to see a periodontist: toothaches that do not go away with over-the-counter painkillers or ibuprofen, bleeding gums, bad breath, swelling around the teeth or gums, difficulty chewing. Gum disease can lead to other health problems such as heart disease and stroke. If left untreated, Gum Disease can even result in tooth loss and bone loss. Contact our office today for an appointment and let us help you get back on track!
