If you’re experiencing problems with your gums, you’re not alone. Studies show that about 47.2% of adults over 30 in the US suffer from some form of periodontal disease.
Preventing this isn’t always easy. However, by understanding the cause and how to avoid gum disease, you can start taking the steps necessary to keep your smile healthy.
So what can you do? Just keep reading to learn some gum treatments and ways to prevent gum disease.
Gum Disease: Causes and Risk Factors
Gum disease is an infection of the gums that can progress and affect the bone supporting the teeth. It contributes significantly to adult tooth loss.
It results from plaque and tartar accumulation on teeth and gums. Plaque is a sticky film of food debris, bacteria, and saliva. Tartar is plaque that has hardened on teeth and gums.
These buildups can irritate and inflame gums, causing gingivitis. It is the early stage of gum disease.
If not removed, plaque and tartar can lead to periodontitis, a severe gum disease. Periodontitis can damage the tissues and bone that support teeth, eventually leading to tooth loss. A complete guide to periodontal treatment can be found here.
Other factors that trigger gum disease are poor dental hygiene, smoking, hormonal changes, medications, and diabetes. It is necessary to be aware of these factors to prevent the disease.
Various Options for Gum Treatments
There are various options for gum treatments available to help prevent gum disease. Some of these options include deep cleanings, antibiotics, and surgery.
Deep cleanings, also called scaling and planning, are a frequent gum treatment to help prevent gum disease. During the cleaning, the dentist or hygienist will use special instruments to scrape away the plaque and tartar from your teeth and gums. They will also smooth out any rough spots where plaque buildup.
Typically, the cleanings require two visits. The first visit is to clean the teeth and gums. The second visit is to check if the teeth and gums are disease free.
Another treatment for gum disease involves taking antibiotics. Antibiotics can help kill the bacteria that cause gum disease. They can also help reduce the inflammation in the gums.
Gum disease treatment also sometimes requires surgery. But typically, it is only necessary for dire circumstances.
Prevention Is the Best Medicine
To avoid further gum treatments, you must take measures to prevent gum disease before it starts. By keeping the gums clean and free of plaque, bacteria will have less chance to build up and cause infection. If you’ve never incorporated an oral care routine into your life, now is the best time for you to do so.
But if you are already struggling with the disease, periodontal disease treatments that can help are available. Be sure to talk to your dentist about your options and find the best course of action for you.
You can stop gum disease and maintain a healthy, radiant smile with the appropriate care.
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