3 FAQs About Gum Disease

Many people in America have a form of gum disease However, better patient education might be one way to reverse that trend. That begins with understanding more about the issue and knowing how to recognize it. There are several questions about the condition, and knowing the answers helps you stay informed about your care. Keep reading to learn more about gum disease and its causes.

1. Are gum disease and periodontal disease the same things?

Periodontal disease is another name for gum disease. The gums can become puffy, red, or irritated when a patient has the condition. They may bleed when flossing or brushing the teeth. It happens since the bacteria have gone beneath the gumline, causing pockets of them to form. That leads to inflammation.

The pockets can cause the bone to deteriorate. That might result in the teeth loosening over time, and eventually, the patient might lose them. The treatment for advanced gum disease is relatively invasive. That is one of the many reasons it is a good idea to prevent it when possible.

2. Is it possible to prevent gum disease?

The right way to prevent the condition is to stay proactive in the approach. For instance, it is essential to see the dentist often enough. The dentist can examine the teeth and gums, looking for any issues. Each appointment allows the dentist to catch potential problems early on. Even if there are no problems, the appointments allow the dentist to clean the teeth. That way, there will not be any remaining plaque or tartar on the teeth, so the bacteria will not remain in place long enough to travel beneath the gumline.

3. What are the stages of gum disease?

First, patients will have gingivitis. That might include bleeding while flossing or brushing. That is the right point to get treatment. At that time, it is not difficult to reverse the existing damage. It might only involve improving oral hygiene techniques and frequency.

However, if the disease does not get treated at that time, the condition might worsen. It can lead to periodontitis. That is an acute form of the situation, which might cause loose teeth or mouth sores. Patients at this stage may also have bad breath.

At that point, the dentist might need to do a scaling and root planing procedure. It involves taking the bacteria out from under the gums. The dentist might also have to smooth the patient’s tooth roots so the bacteria cannot adhere. It is an invasive procedure.

Visit a dentist to avoid gum disease today

It is critical to keep up with oral health, and it does not take very long each day. It is essential to make regular appointments with your dentist to prevent potential issues. You might want to go in every six months. But if you have gum disease, you might have to go a bit more often than that. Making an appointment today is your first step toward a healthier smile.

Request an appointment here: http://www.kingdentistry.com or call King Dentistry at (209) 668-3311 for an appointment in our Turlock office.

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