Gum disease is a dental condition that occurs over time. Patients with gum disease have inflammation of their gums because of bacteria. The bacteria vary from person to person but cause trouble and medical complications. Gum disease spreads slowly and can be painful and uncomfortable. Various underlying conditions can result in gum disease. It is a severe gum condition that can result in you losing your bones. The gums and bones deteriorate due to the spread of bacteria in your mouth.

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Causes of Gum Disease

Bacteria already live in our mouths. Usually, the bacteria that live in our mouths are harmless; however, when they multiply and worsen, your condition can too! Not brushing teeth properly is the most well-known cause of gum disease! It is to brush teeth because it gets rid of bacteria eating away at food and buildup. 

It is essential to brush your teeth to prevent cavities and gum disease! Not brushing and flossing your teeth allows bacteria and food to build upon your gums. This constant cycle develops into Gingivitis, a mild form of gum disease. People with Gingivitis suffer from a foul smell, plaque on their teeth, and tartar on gums. Tartar is hard to get rid of. Brushing is no longer enough!

Gum Disease Symptoms

People suffering from gum disease often have the following symptoms:

• Pain when brushing
• Bleeding with flossing
• Foul metallic odor
• Metallic taste
• Loss of teeth
• Receding gums

It is essential to look for the signs. While this condition is preventable, it can develop slowly and absently.

How is Gum Disease Diagnosed?

Typically, patients who feel the symptoms above go to the dentist. Most of the time, dentists first diagnosed and noticed gum disease. Although you can go to your general doctor, they will send you to your local dentist. 

The patient’s dentist will perform a dental exam and look at the plaque/ gums for frequent inflammation. Then, using a small tool, the dentist will look at the pockets of space between the mouths and gums. If the area is over 5mm, it is likely to be gum disease.

There are a lot of complications that can arise because of gum disease. For instance, it can develop and worsen within a few short months! Gum disease causes conditions like tooth loss, bacterial infection spread, and a loss of feeling in your mouth. Gum disease can be fatal if the bacteria spread directly into the bloodstream. The physical effects of Gum Disease may affect a patient’s self-esteem leading to mental health issues. Since gum disease destroys teeth and leaves a foul odor in someone’s mouth, it is hard to hide.

Treatment Options

Thankfully there are effective treatments that can get rid of gum disease. One way is to clean the pockets, getting rid of plaque. The bags can be cleaned using high water pressure and dental tools that scrape and reach tight spaces.

Another option is for a dental assistant to partake in scaling. A professional dentist scrapes off dirtiness with laser or metallic instruments during scaling depending on the severity. They always start with a metal tool. However, if the plaque is too stuck, it will move on to a laser. During a laser, patients may be put to sleep or numbed.

If you develop a severe infection because of gums disease, your dentist may prescribe topical antibiotics. These antibiotics come in many forms, including an easy-to-apply cream, dissolvable gel capsule pill, and mouthwash.

In instances where a patient’s bones are affected because the gum disease has worsened, and may need to get bone grafting done. A dentist fixes the rotting bone or tooth during bone grafting, giving it stability. Sometimes, your dentist will need to add a synthetic tooth to avoid trouble eating. However, you can only do this treatment if the damage is severe.

The Best Ways to Prevent Gum Disease

While you can treat gum disease in various ways, it is easier and more beneficial to prevent gum diseases from developing. The primary preventative technique is proper hygiene. First, you should learn and practice brushing your teeth correctly. It is hard to develop gum disease if you have good dental hygiene.

For instance, you should brush in circles throughout your teeth. Spend at least 30 seconds to one minute and brush your teeth a minimum of twice a day. In addition, some dentists recommend brushing your teeth every time you eat. 

You should also change your toothbrush at least once a month. Toothbrushes can harbor diseases and bacteria. If you do not change them, the bacteria can be reintroduced to your teeth and gums. Not only do bacteria live on the bristles of a toothbrush, but the bristles wear out. This causes the toothbrush to work less and less. Toothbrushes need to be sturdy and clean to operate.

Also, to prevent gum disease, you can use a toothpaste marketed to stop gum diseases with active ingredients. However, not all toothpaste is made the same. For example, did you know that some toothpaste uses sugar? If you accidentally leave any on your teeth, it can develop into a cavity or gum disease. 

However, the most important way to prevent gum diseases is to floss frequently! Between your teeth is where your gums develop infections and inflammation because food is trapped. You can also develop cavities, worsening and eating away at your bone, like gum diseases.

How You Can Live With Gum Diseases?

In conclusion, Gum disease is a surprisingly severe health issue that people should immediately treat and try to prevent. Gum diseases occur when bacteria enter the gums and cause inflammation. The inflammation spreads and eats away at the gums, tissue, and bone further. If this condition were to worsen, it could lead to the deterioration of your teeth and bones.

You can do things to prevent this from occurring, though, that involves proper hygiene! You should frequently floss every day at least twice in one day. The flossing prevents food buildup.

FAQ

1. Can Gum Disease go away on its own? Unfortunately, the chances of gum disease going away on its own is nearly impossible, as getting rid of all the bacteria and plague at once is extremely difficult!
2. Can I get ill from Gum Disease? Yes, inflammation and illness can stem from gum disease, in severe cases it can lead to sepsis.

Healthier Me Today is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment, always consult with your healthcare professional. Stay healthy!