Gum Disease: Where it Comes From and What it Does
Gum disease is not only a common infection, many of the side effects take months or even years to manifest themselves, and this is why so many patients continue to go untreated.
Over time, this disease will attack the soft tissue throughout the mouth which helps support the teeth as well as produce saliva. Eventually, gum disease will lead to a variety of more serious oral health issues such as:
Tooth loss
Receding gums
Severe pain
There are a variety of factors that will increase one’s risk of developing gum disease. They are:
- Improper oral hygiene habits that allow plaque and unhealthy bacteria to remain in one’s mouth.
- Smoking and the use of chewing tobacco will also increase the chance of developing gum disease and is a red flag for many dentists.
- Genetics play a role as well and those with family members that have periodontal disease should have their mouth inspected thoroughly and often.
- Finally, there are a number of outside factors that will increase the odds of gum disease taking place including pregnancy, various forms of diabetes, and a variety of medications such as steroids and calcium channel blockers.
Recent studies now show that nearly half of all adults have periodontal disease, an infection also known as gum disease.
Dr. Jyoti V. Desar specializes in treating Gum Disease and can help guide you on some factors that can help you avoid the disease. Our ppo dentist Riverside are knowledgeable on gum disease and it’s prevention.
The Most Effective Gum Disease Treatments Available Today
For those that suspect they have gum disease, it is important to seek out professional assistance as soon as possible.
While regular checkups and impeccable oral hygiene habits are a must for those in their earlier stages, professional cleaning, scaling, and root planing will remove plaque on the teeth and just under the gums.
If the gum disease is severe, more comprehensive or surgical measures may need to be taken. This includes:
- Grafting new bone onto any area in which the local bone has been damaged
- Grafting soft tissue onto the affected area of the gums
- Guided soft tissue regeneration.
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Gum Disease – Frequently Asked Questions
- Brushing
- Flossing
- Using mouthwash multiple times a day
This will remove plaque and tartar which will eventually turn to acid and bacteria that attack soft tissue and bone when not removed frequently. It is also important to refrain from any activities that have been proven to increase one’s likelihood of developing this disease such as using tobacco products.
When any new medications are prescribed by a doctor, patients should inquire as to their side effects including anything that will affect one’s teeth and gums.