Gum Disease: The Core Signs Any Adult Must Recognize

Protecting your smile involves more effort than simply ensuring that your teeth are polished and well-aligned. Your gums are a crucial aspect of your dental health, in addition to your overall wellness. Since many people may think their gums are healthy, they are usually alarmed when they are informed of an issue. Gum disease, also referred to as periodontal disease, is a harmful condition that impacts the gums that surround a person's teeth, and its symptoms, for the most part, occur without discomfort. A number of tests have shown an association with periodontal disease and seemingly unrelated health concerns, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, strokes, and certain cancers, including tooth loss.

In spite of this, we have great news: Gum disease can be prevented with effective dental care. The simplest way to fight against gum disease is to get dental care from experienced dental practitioners, like the staff at MINT dentistry in South Houston. Our doctors have expansive know-how and skills in the field of periodontal dentistry to uncover various issues and treat gum disease.

THE IMPORTANT FACTS YOU MUST UNDERSTAND REGARDING GUM DISEASE

Often called gum disease, periodontal disease is, in simplest terms, an infection of the gums. Your gumline is the oral tissue that serves to hold your teeth in their correct positions. Poor oral hygiene may lead a colorless substance known as plaque to collect and calcify around the gum tissue. Even though brushing and flossing could remove a portion of the buildup, plaque that's not eradicated will become tartar and settle onto your enamel. Only a dental cleaning provided by a dentist or dental professional can totally get rid of tartar.

While accumulating on the enamel, tartar and food particles operate together to cause a moderate form of periodontal disease known as gingivitis. Gingivitis arises as plaque gathers on teeth and causes the nearby gums to become inflamed. Plaque creates toxins that negatively affect your gum tissues, leading them to become inflamed and swollen and, usually, resulting in bleeding.

When gum disease progresses without management, more damaging phases of gum disease may cause painful and bleeding gums, discomfort when chewing, and, potentially, missing teeth. This is why it's vital to diagnose and treat periodontal disease before the damage spreads around your mouth.

PERIODONTAL DISEASE RED FLAGS TO KNOW

Strong gums are firm, pink, and fit comfortably around your teeth. The first indicators of periodontal disease are usually difficult to identify by the typical man or woman. It is critical to set up regular appointments with our dentists at MINT dentistry in South Houston. Our staff will work to determine the tell-tale indications of gum disease during biannual cleanings and dental exams. Symptoms of affected gums include puffiness, discoloration, sensitivity, bleeding, separation from the tooth, excess spaces around your teeth, halitosis, loose teeth, difficulty biting, and inconsistencies with your alignment.

PEOPLE WITH GUM DISEASE COULD BENEFIT FROM MANY SURGICAL TREATMENT SOLUTIONS

As people get to the more intense degrees of gum disease, they can require surgical procedures. The dentists in Houston, TX provide a number of advanced gum procedures, in particular, gum grafting, gingival flap surgery, and others.

Gum disease regularly forces the gums to recede, which will reveal part of the roots of the teeth. To fix your gum tissue, our dental practitioners may perform a gum grafting surgery. Most often, autografted connective tissue is used to carry out this operation. The donor gum tissue is borrowed from the palate and placed with your gumline, which minimizes the tooth root exposure.

Periodontal surgery should help individuals in Houston, TX who have advanced periodontitis. Based on the phase of your condition, there is a selection of techniques we may incorporate: gingival flap surgery, gingivectomy, or gingivoplasty. Gingival flap surgery lifts the gumline away from the tooth to uncover the roots and permit our dental practitioner to determine your situation. After this, we will carry out a deep cleaning to remove plaque and any compromised tissue. The relocated tissue will then be readjusted and stitched back into the right location. Meanwhile, a gingivectomy removes and remolds a portion of the seriously diseased tissue. This treatment is generally saved for those whose situation is more advanced. Lastly, a gingivoplasty is considered a cosmetic dental procedure that improves and repositions your gums when your periodontal disease has been taken care of to ensure a more attractive appearance.

EVADE PERIODONTAL DISEASE WHEN YOU FOLLOW THESE FIVE PRACTICES

The best method to prevent gum disease is to practice an excellent, efficient oral health regimen. Following this convenient set of rules may help guarantee that your shining smile stays healthy for years to come:

Flossing is essential for your best oral wellness.
Flossing your teeth no less than one time a day will help clear away germs that could be lodged between your teeth. Brushing your teeth is a required part of your oral care routine, but it still won't target every crevice.

Patients should brush their teeth a minimum of two times every day.
Men and women who clean their teeth after mealtimes help to remove plaque and food particles packed in between their gum tissue and teeth. It's just as essential not to overlook the tongue. Gently use your soft-bristled toothbrush to cleanse your tongue, as this may reduce leftover bacteria.

Utilize toothpaste and mouthwash that have fluoride.
It's often difficult to learn which oral hygiene products are the most beneficial. When browsing, look for a fluoride-based toothpaste and mouth rinse. When used together, the two dental products will extend the time it takes for bacteria and plaque to build up on the teeth.

Make sure you visit your dental care provider twice annually.
Plan appointments with your dentist two times each year for dental health exams and professional cleanings. Dental checkups allow the dentists at MINT dentistry in South Houston to catch problems like periodontal disease when they first arise. For those with dental anxieties, our Houston, TX facility provides numerous sedation techniques to soothe your nerves so you can receive your examinations and professional cleanings without difficulty.

Eliminate tobacco use.
Men and women who consume tobacco products (like dipping, cigars, or e-cigarettes) are more likely to be diagnosed with gum disease and various cancers. Tobacco usage weakens your immune system, which makes it more challenging for your body to fight off inflammation and recover later on.

SHIELD YOUR GUMS FROM PLAQUE BUILDUP AND RECESSION

Preventive oral treatment is required for the battle against gum disease. Look for a dental professional you trust, and be sure to pay a visit to their facility every six months for examinations and professional cleanings. At MINT dentistry in South Houston, our dental professionals are capable of preventing, identifying, and managing periodontal disease, as well as various other periodontal wellness issues. Contact our facility to set up a consultation and take off on your journey toward optimal dental health.