Gum disease is a common dental ailment affecting over 75% of adults. Primarily, this infection of the gum tissue affects adult and senior dental patients, but people of any age or background could contract gum disease.
It often presents itself subtly. Many patients remain unaware they have some form of gum disease until a visit to the dentist’s office or when more complex dental problems arise. When you know more about gum disease, you can take measures to prevent it and preserve your oral health.
Causes of Gum Disease
Primarily caused by plaque beneath the gum line, gum disease can eventually lead to the breakdown of tooth attachment and supporting tissues if left untreated. Early signs include bleeding gums, inflamed or swollen gums, receding gums, loose teeth, and chronic bad breath.
Some people do not experience noticeable symptoms, despite the infection damaging the teeth and gum tissue. During routine preventive care visits with your dentist, periodontal screenings are performed to look for these early signs of gum disease.
Seek Prompt Treatment for Gum Disease
For early-stage gum diseases like gingivitis, dentists will use cleaning methods like scaling and root planing. They remove plaque and tartar from the gums, clearing away the infection. In more advanced cases of periodontitis, a patient may need oral surgery to remove damaged tissue.
Gum disease does not go away on its own. And you can anticipate less invasive and simpler treatment when a dentist can diagnose and treat the infection in its early stage. Do not delay periodontal therapy from your dentist if you want to maintain healthy gums.
Address Missing Teeth to Protect the Gums
Missing teeth, a common issue among adults aged 20 to 64 years old, can affect speech and eating habits. Even unnoticeable missing molars can impact chewing while the remaining teeth might shift out of their usual positions.
This can lead to possible bone loss around the vacant tooth area. And you may face a heightened risk of gum disease on top of this dental damage.
To avoid these dental complications, replace missing teeth with help from your dentist. Modern dentistry offers solutions, including bridges (removable or fixed based on individual needs), dentures for those who’ve lost more than one tooth, and implants that closely resemble natural teeth.
Dry Mouth and Gum Disease
Dry mouth refers to a state of dryness in the mouth, usually due to a decline in saliva production. It is often caused by medications and certain health conditions. Senior-aged dental patients may have an increased risk of this dental issue on a chronic basis.
The dry oral environment allows bacteria to spread more easily. As a result, you may face a greater danger of gum disease as well as decay as it reduces salivary flow, which is crucial for oral hygiene. Routine dental visits are therefore essential when living with dry mouth.
A dentist can identify the cause of this symptom and offer targeted solutions to manage your symptoms. Regular preventive care coupled with good home oral hygiene practices plays a vital role in maintaining healthy gums, thereby reducing the risk of developing gum diseases along with other complex dental problems.