Periodontal Care Gum disease is a common problem that affects countless dental patients every year. With proper care and treatment, this condition can be treated quickly, and the patient can make a complete recovery. However, if this condition is not treated quickly, it can progress into a more serious form of the disease. When at its worst, gum disease can cause bone and tooth loss. Cicero Family Dental Care can diagnosis your gum disease and develop a plan for treatment and help you maintain your progress.What Is Periodontal Disease?Gum disease can also be called periodontal disease. There are two forms of periodontal disease—gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is the mildest form of the disease. In this stage, gums can be inflamed, sore, and experience bleeding. With proper care, this condition can be completely reversed. If left untreated, however, this condition can proceed into a more advanced form of gum disease called periodontitis. Periodontitis is an infection in the gum tissue. If left untreated, this infection can lead to bone deterioration and tooth loss. The condition cannot always be reversed. What Causes Gum Disease?More often than not, gum disease is caused by poor oral hygiene habits. Lack of brushing, flossing, and not using mouthwash can lead to gingivitis. Other factors can contribute to gum disease, like smoking, aging, health conditions like diabetes or HIV, pregnancy, changes in hormone levels, stress levels, and even certain types of medications. Periodontitis can be caused by many of these conditions as well. People with chronic health conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and HIV can have chronic and irreversible periodontal disease. How Is Periodontal Disease Treated?The severity of the patient’s condition will determine the course of treatment. Less severe forms of gingivitis can be treated by improvement in the individual’s at-home oral health routine and follow up visits with their dentist. Dental professionals are always happy to help patients learn better brushing and flossing routines. Periodontitis is more severe than gingivitis and will need more intense forms of treatment. There will be at-home treatments like medicated mouthwashes, along with office visits for additional cleanings, and possibly, surgery. If left untreated or not treated aggressively enough, the condition can lead to tooth loss, erosion of the bone, and receding of the gums. Knowing The Signs Of Gum DiseaseUntil it is in its later stages, gum disease is often painless. To catch this condition in the early stages, an individual must know what to look for. Two of the most noticeable signs of any gum disease are inflamed gums and bleeding while brushing and/or flossing that could also cause pain. If you notice that you have chronic bad breath or increased teeth sensitivity, those are also signs that you need to schedule a visit with your dental provider. Gum disease is quite common and impacts countless people every year. The good news is that the condition can be treated, and in some cases, completely reversed with proper dental care. Cicero Family Dental Care can treat your gum disease and help you create a maintenance plan that helps you reverse your condition. Contact us at (680) 688-6026 to schedule your appointment. |
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