Will Crown Lengthening Improve My Oral Health?
Gum (periodontal) disease is hazardous to your oral health and general wellbeing. Early detection of this condition is imperative for securing minimally invasive treatment. Advanced periodontal disease destroys teeth and bone in addition to the gums. By addressing gum disease sooner, rather than later, you can safeguard your oral health.
How Gum Disease Develops
The development of periodontal disease normally begins with inadequate oral hygiene.
Each day, our mouths deposit plaque on our teeth and gums. Plaque, filled with bacteria, hardens into tartar within a couple of days. Tartar cannot be removed by brushing and flossing. It must be removed with professional dental instruments.
As plaque, and ultimately tartar, build up on teeth, it will eventually cause irritation to the gingiva. Tartar buildup also causes the gums to recede, which can lead to tartar deposits on the exposed roots of teeth. Over time, the bacteria within the mouth will infect the already inflamed gingiva.
Without professional treatment and improved oral hygiene, gum disease will only worsen. In its advanced stages, gum disease will cause teeth to become loose and they could eventually fall out. The systemic infection associated with this condition will also destroy bone mass in the jaws.
Symptoms of Gum Disease
Periodontal disease can be asymptomatic at its onset. If symptoms are present in the beginning, the most common are bleeding gums during oral hygiene and recession of the gum line. As this condition progresses, there are a number of symptoms a person might experience.
Symptoms of advanced gum disease include:
- Noticeable recession of the gum line
- Bleeding and inflammation
- Discoloration of the gums
- Swollen and tender gingiva
- Persistent bad breath
- Loosening of teeth and tooth loss
- Pus and sores on the gums
Treating Periodontal Disease
While gum disease is a threat to your health, there is hope if you seek professional treatment. Our periodontist provides a number of treatment options for improving your oral health. Common forms of treatment include specialized cleanings called scaling and root planing, tissue grafts, and prescription medications.
For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact our team at Park Cities Periodontics and Implant Dentistry today.
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