Gum Disease

Periodontal or gum disease is an infection of the gums and the bone around each tooth. It can be a localized infection or a generalized one present throughout the mouth. In its simplest form, periodontal disease is a bacterial infection that resides below the gum line.

The most common symptom of this disease is bleeding of the gums. While periodontal disease can be classified into several stages, it starts with gingivitis. When a patient has gingivitis, he or she will typically experience bleeding of the gums. Another symptom of gum disease is bad oral odor. If a patient’s mouth emits a bad odor at the time of flossing, eating or just in general, then he or she can be suffering from gum disease. Moreover, puffy red gums can also be an ominous sign of the disease. If during a clinical diagnosis, the pockets around your teeth exceed the length of three millimeters, then you are deemed to be suffering from periodontal disease.

If you think you have gum disease, Dr. Foncea advises that you get an exam with a practicing dentist. A clear and comprehensive periodontal exam will include the measuring of all the pockets around your teeth, x-rays and an evaluation of your bite. The combination of all the results of the earlier exams will help to establish the extent and the type of your infection.

Treatments for gum disease primarily involve the removal of the bacterial infection from the affected area or areas, and there are several ways that this can be achieved. In a mild case, Dr. Foncea starts with a general cleaning while in advanced cases, focused and deep cleaning efforts are made to give back a healthy condition to the affected areas. Sometimes, even antibiotics may be used in conjunction to cure the patient completely.

Video Transcript

Understanding gum disease

Did you know?
Gum disease is the leading cause of Tooth Loss in adults

What causes Gum Disease?
Our mouths are full of bacteria. These bacteria, along with the mucus and other particles, consistently form a sticky, colourless “plaque” on teeth. The bacteria in plaque release toxins that irritate gum tissues. This condition is Gum disease.

Symptoms of gum disease

•       Read or swollen gums
•       Bleeding
•       Gums that pull away
•       Changes in bite
•       Bad breath

What could increase the risk of Gum Disease?

•       Not regularly brushing your teeth well at home
•       Not getting regular dental cleaning
•       Smoking or chewing tobacco
•       Having Gum disease in your family
•       Eating a diet is low in vitamins and minerals
•       Having high stress
•       Grinding or clenching your teeth

Stages of Gum disease

1. Gingivitis
2. Periodontitis
3. Advanced periodontitis

1. Gingivitis – gums are mildly inflamed, appear red and swollen and may bleed during brushing
2. Periodontitis – gum begin to pull away from the teeth allowing plaque bacteria to infect tooth roots, supporting fibre and bones
3. Advanced Periodontitis – supporting fibres and bones are destroyed. Teeth are loose and may need to be removed.

Treatment
With regular professional scaling, dental hygienist helps control the bacteria that cause Gum Disease and tooth decay.

Gum disease is preventable

•       Brush and floss everyday
•       Stop smoking
•       Reduce stress
•       Maintain a well-balanced diet
•       Avoid clenching and grinding your teeth
•       Get a professional dental cleaning at least twice a year!

SEQUOYAH DENTAL ARTS
Smile by design
Call Sequoyah dental Arts today for your consultation appointment and stay gum disease free!

Sequoyah Dental Arts
2719 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919
Located between UT and Sequoyah Hills
Telephone: 865 973-9899
http://www.sdasmile.com/

However, there are more advanced cases where even an administering of antibiotics right into the infection doesn’t result in a cure. In these situations, laser therapy is used to remove the bacteria and sterilize the infected tissues as much as possible. In the most extreme of cases however, surgery may be necessary to remove the unhealthy gums.

If you read the above carefully, then you will know that suffering from gum disease is a very scary and painful prospect. Contact Dr. Foncea today to never experience that pain and fear!