Gum disease is often known as periodontal disease, which generally progresses over a long period. Gum disease is usually painless; you may not know you have it.
Plaque formed of micro-organisms causes Periodontal disease. It starts forming as soon as you clean your teeth. You can remove plaque by brushing your teeth and rinsing it with mouthwash. Certain portions of your mouth are not easily cleanable. Hence, professional cleaning by a dentist or hygienist is vital.
Plaque, if not cleaned, turns into a calculus deposit. The plaque at hard to clean areas calcifies into calculus. Calculus is a tenacious deposit, that is hard to remove by brushing or mouthwash. Further, the calculus has a layer of plaque on top, which in turn turns into a deposit. The deposit grows on the crown, and the root surface will become more prominent.
Treatment of Periodontal Disease
The treatment includes dental cleaning, scaling and root planning and periodontal maintenance.
The plaque and calculus covering crown only need a dental cleaning. When it includes the tooth crown and the root, the dentist recommends scaling and root planing. He uses specialized curettes to clean the root surface. Further, the scaling and root planning is followed by periodontal maintenance every three-four months.
Warning Signs that Signal Gum Disease
- Gums that bleed easily
- Red, tender, swollen gums
- Constant bad breath or change in taste
- Permanent teeth that are loosening up and separating
- Change in the fit of partial dentures
Factors increasing risk of Gum Disease:
- Poor Oral Hygiene
- Systemic Conditions such as Anemia
- Food leftover in between teeth
- Smoking or Chewing Tobacco
- Pregnancy
- Diabetes
- medications, including steroids, certain types of anti-epilepsy drugs, cancer therapy drugs, some calcium channel blockers, and oral contraceptives
- Overlapping teeth that are hard to clean
Regular dental checkups and periodontal examinations are essential. Simple routines such as brushing your teeth twice daily, cleaning between teeth with floss, and visiting your dentist routinely are vital to maintaining a healthy smile.
Contact Healthy smiles at (860) 595-3903 or book your next dental appointment online here.