Gum Disease Treatment
Gum Disease Treatment | Everyone wants perfect teeth. But not everyone knows how to get them. The fact is that the basis of healthy, attractive teeth is healthy gums. Gum tissue supports and nourishes the structures of the teeth right down to the bone tissue in the jawbone. So if you want perfect teeth, the best way to begin is by maintaining the health of your gums.
This helps to prevent the need for gum disease treatment. When it comes to gingivitis Reston residents prefer to prevent the condition before costly treatment is necessary.
Dangers of Gum Disease
Almost everyone has heard of periodontal disease, popularly known as gum disease. But what is it, really? What is all the fuss about?
Gum disease is a chronic inflammatory condition of the gum tissue surrounding and supporting the teeth. It has its beginnings with the accumulation of a sticky film called plaque. Over time, plaque develops into a hardened form called tartar.
The problem with plaque is that it creates an environment that encourages the growth of bacteria. It’s like bacteria are having a party in your mouth and throw open all the doors so that all their creepy buddies can join them and crash the party. And like all parties, they leave quite a mess when they’re done.
The acids created by plaque accumulation cause the progressive destruction of gum tissue. This leads to an early form of gum disease called gingivitis. In time, gingivitis progresses into a more serious form called periodontitis. Periodontitis is an irreversible form of gum disease that can eventually cause teeth to loosen and fall out.
What are the symptoms of gum disease?
Gum disease tends to progress very slowly, and often unnoticeably, at first. In its early stages, some symptoms of gum disease are:
- Red, tender gums
- Gums that bleed easily and frequently
- Bad breath
I don’t currently have gum disease. How can I maintain the health of my gums?
The best way to protect the health of your gums is to regularly brush and floss daily. Brush your teeth twice daily at a minimum. Floss them at least once a day. Both of these activities help to remove food debris and bacteria that can accumulate on your teeth, mouth and gums.
Although bacteria is very dangerous, it is something that can be dealt with if it is removed regularly. If, for example, you ate some cookies and cake but failed to brush your teeth soon after, an explosion of bacteria will occur in your mouth, followed by a buildup of plaque. In time, this leads to gingivitis.
Another often neglected way to maintain the health of one’s gums is to ensure that you are keeping up with your regular dental exam and cleaning appointments. If any plaque or tartar has escaped your best cleaning efforts, your dental hygienist can remove them before they allow for the progression into gum disease. This can help avoid gum disease treatment down the line.
Learn More
Contact any of our offices below to learn more about maintaining your gums today with our gum disease treatment.
Massachusetts
Connecticut
