Although it’s important to treat gingivitis right away, it’s a mild form of gum disease. You won’t have to worry about the loss of bone and tissue that hold your teeth in place as a result.
Unfortunately, regular hormonal changes in women can make gums sensitive, making them more vulnerable to gingivitis. If you have a daughter going into puberty, it’s important to keep a close eye on her gums.
The word "periodontum" has to do with the specialized tissues that surround and support the teeth. It comes from Greek "peri-" (around) and "-odons" (tooth), so it literally means "around the tooth." So periodontics is the dental specialty dealing with the area around the tooth.
Periodontists are specialists in identifying and treating periodontal diseases, cosmetic periodontal procedures, and the placement of dental implants.
Scaling and root planing is a process whereby your periodontist will remove plaque (also called calculus) from your teeth. Water irrigation and ultrasonic high frequency scalers are used in combination to loosen and eliminate the plaque.
Following any type of gum surgery, you will be prescribed a prescription antimicrobial mouth rinse. This is used like a regular mouthwash to control any bacteria formation in the mouth (and especially in sensitive areas) following the surgery.
Although gingivitis is a common gum disease, there are a number of conditions that affect the gums that can have serious implications for whole body health. They include melanoma (skin cancer), fungal infections, and herpes. Good dental hygiene and annual checkups are the best ways to protect your teeth and gums and help monitor your overall health.
Let's see how much you know about gum disease: If gingivitis is left untreated, what more serious gum condition may it eventually become? If you guessed periodontitis, you're right. Without treatment, periodontitis can lead to tooth loss.
Some experts believe gum disease bacteria may contribute to other medical conditions. This can happen when bacteria migrate from the mouth to other parts of the body. Although the research is ongoing, gum disease has been linked to conditions like stroke, diabetes, and increased risk for heart disease.
Can you prevent gum disease? Although a number of factors can contribute to gum related problems, good dental hygiene and regular dental visits can help reduce the risk of developing this disease. The key is consistency. Learn how to brush and floss correctly, and make dental hygiene a twice-daily habit.
If you think you may have gum disease, the best way to know for sure is to schedule a consultation with your dentist. Some common signs of gum disease are bleeding or swollen gums, tooth sensitivity, loose teeth, and bad breath.
Periodontitis is essentially the second stage of gum disease. It is more serious than gingivitis, as the gums start to pull away from the teeth. The spaces formed by this movement become infected. Left untreated at this stage, you can lose the gums, tissue, and bones that support the teeth, which also will eventually fall out.
There are several medications that your periodontist might suggest in the treatment of your gum disease. This can include anything from a prescription antimicrobial mouthwash to actual oral antibiotics to treat the infection.
Although hormonal changes in women can make them more prone to gum disease, men are actually more likely to develop it. This is why it’s so important for everyone – male or female – to seek regular dental care.
Did you know that 3 out of every 4 Americans suffer from some form of periodontal disease? This includes gum disease, receding gums, gingivitis, or simple bleeding when brushing. The best way to combat gum disease is to practice sound oral hygiene and to see your periodontist on a regular basis.
Did you know that periodontitis can cause severe respiratory infections? Inhaling bacteria from your mouth and throat can result in pneumonia, since the buildup of plaque creates a dangerous source of bacteria that you can inhale into your lungs.
How do I know if I have gum disease? There is no single symptom, but in general, if your gums are red or swollen and bleed easily, those are indications of gum disease. Sensitive teeth and pain while chewing are also symptoms that could indicate gum disease.
During gum graft surgery, your periodontist will take gum tissue from a donor source like your palate and cover exposed roots. This procedure can be done for one or more teeth and even across your gum line to reduce gingival sensitivity.
Did you know that certain medical conditions and diseases can actually make it easier for you to get infections in your gums? If you have diabetes, cancer or AIDS, it may be necessary to get more frequent checkups.
Did you know that smoking is the most significant factor for gum disease? In fact, smoking can even jeopardize the success of any treatment you receive.
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Did you know that many periodontists use lasers to clean your teeth? In fact, many are turning to laser technology and related treatments as a way to combat gum disease. Periodontists also use such advanced treatment devices as ultrasound, digital radiography, and biomarker measurements.
When a tooth is removed, maintaining the exact height and width of the jaw bone, or the alveolar ridge, isn’t a medical necessity. However, using a ridge augmentation to rebuild the jaw bone ensures that a person’s facial appearance doesn’t change.
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