Gum Disease: Types, Symptoms, Causes, Risks, and Treatment
Have you visited our dentist in Houston, TX, of late and been diagnosed with gum disease? If you have, you are not alone. Millions of people in our country suffer from one form of gum disease or another. There are many American adults, especially above 30 years, who are suffering from advanced gum disease.
Periodontal disease can range from gum inflammation to severe infections that can affect the soft tissue and bones that hold your teeth in place. In some scenarios, tooth loss occurs. For this reason, our dentist offers periodontal therapy in Houston, TX.
What You Should Know About Periodontal Disease?
Periodontitis refers to the infection or inflammation around the tooth. The disease affects the tooth’s surrounding and supporting tissue and underlying jawbone. The disease is dangerous because it is progressive, and if you don’t get periodontal therapy in Houston, TX, your teeth will become loose and fall off.
Don’t be cavalier about this disease since it has far-reaching effects not only on your oral health but also on your overall health. Periodontitis has been linked with other overall health issues such as stroke, heart disease, diabetes, and low birth weight. This is why it is of paramount importance that you seek care.
Types of Gum Diseases
Periodontal disease may vary in severity depending on the type, but remember that irrespective of the type, prompt treatment is needed. Here are the types of gum diseases:
Gingivitis
At the infant stages of the disease, you will experience some level of gum inflammation. At this stage, the disease is mild. When you brush your teeth and swollen and tender gums, you might notice some blood. The gums swell because of plaque buildup along the gumline.
With proper hygiene and regularly visiting our dentist for cleaning, the effects of gingivitis can be reversed. You can also boost your gum health by investing in some antimicrobial mouthwashes.
Chronic Periodontitis
Most people above 45 years usually suffer from this disease. This gum disease causes inflammation below the gums and progressive periodontal and bone tissue destruction. When the disease progresses, it may seem like your teeth are growing because your gums are receding.
Aggressive Periodontitis
Aggressive periodontitis is similar to chronic periodontal disease. However, the main difference is that the disease progresses much faster. In most cases, bone loss and gum detachment will occur much faster.
Necrotizing Periodontitis
As the name suggests, this type of periodontitis is characterized by the death of living tissue such as the alveolar bone, gingival tissue, and periodontal ligaments. This type occurs mainly in patients who have HIV, malnutrition, chronic stress, and immunosuppression.
Systemic Periodontitis
In some cases, periodontitis can come about because of an underlying disease such are diabetes, respiratory disease, or heart disease.
What Are the Causes of Gum Disease?
In most cases, periodontitis will begin with plaque buildup around the teeth. Plaque comprises food particles, bacteria, and saliva. It is a thin, sticky film that coats the outer surface of your teeth.
What Are the Risk Factors of Gum Diseases?
The primary cause of the periodontal disease is plaque. However, several other risk factors exist that can cause the disease are:
- Certain conditions such as diabetes
- Smoking or chewing tobacco
- Hormonal changes
- Medications that cause dry mouth
- Family history
- Poor oral hygiene habits
- Obesity
- Poor nutrition
Symptoms of Gum Disease
It is best to know the symptoms of gum disease since this can help you get prompt care before it escalates. If you know the early signs, the disease can be reversed. Here is what you should look out for:
- Pus oozing from the gums
- Swollen, bleeding, or even tender gums
- Chronic bad breath
- Receding gums
- Shifting or wiggling teeth
- Pain when chewing
- Sensitive teeth
- Loose teeth
- New spaces develop between teeth
- Change in your bite
Gum Disease Treatment
If you were looking for periodontal therapy in Houston, TX, our dentist has several solutions that can help you, including:
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Scaling and planing: These procedures are also known as deep cleaning and are the first line of treatment against gum disease. Scaling removes plaque and tartar from the gum line and under the gum line. Root planing involves smoothing your tooth roots to make it harder for plaque formation.
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Locally administered antibiotics: At times, our dentist can also opt for antibiotics to discourage the growth of harmful bacteria.
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If non-surgical interventions don’t work, then surgery is the next best option. Our dentist may perform gum contouring, pocket reduction surgery, and bone grafting.
So, are you experiencing any gum disease symptoms? Contact our dentist near you. Also, if gum disease has caused a change in your bite, we have an orthodontist near you who can help you. Contact us today at American Modern Dental to schedule an appointment.