Get to learn more about the types, symptoms, diagnoses, and treatment of gum diseases

Gum disease is a common condition affecting both children, the elderly, and teenagers. Some of the conditions might be preventing you from eating due to pain or sensitivity. Therefore if you are experiencing any discomforts while eating, you are supposed to consult your dentist before the conditions begin affecting your nutritional intake rates. That is why Tomball gum disease is diagnosed and treated by a team of specialists who use safe and effective methods. Below is all you are required to learn concerning gum disease.

What is gum disease?

Gum disease is a broad term used to describe a group of serious infections affecting your gum tissue. When gum disease is left untreated, it recedes your gums increasing your risk of persistent bad breath, loose teeth, and eventually tooth loss. Below are some of the common gum diseases affecting people.

l  Gingivitis

Gingivitis is a gum disease caused by a bacterial infection that can easily be reversed. Initially, gingivitis does not present with obvious symptoms, but as it progresses, your gums might begin bleeding as you floss or brush.

l  Periodontitis

It is a serious form of gum disease that develops when gingivitis is left untreated. And with time, it destroys the hard tissue whose purpose is to support your teeth, thus affecting the integrity of your alveolar and jaw bone.

What are the symptoms of gum disease?

As discussed earlier, gum disease does not show obvious symptoms, but as the infection spreads, it presents with swollen or puffy gums, pain when eating or chewing, bad breath, bright red or purple gums, pus between your gums and teeth, bright red or purple gums and receding gums. In other cases, your teeth might also seem not to fit together like they used to initially.

How is gum disease diagnosed?

The doctor begins by inquiring more about your lifestyle and symptoms during your appointment, conducts an oral examination, and reviews your oral health history. He can also order some imaging tests like x-rays to get a better look at the jaw, tooth roots, and alveolar bone. Once the care provider has determined the severity of your gum disease, he creates a customized treatment plan to stop the infection, preventing further damage.

How is gum disease treated?

The treatment given usually depends on the intensity of your symptoms and the severity of your infection. Therefore if you are diagnosed with gingivitis, your care provider may recommend healthy lifestyle changes like drinking plenty of water, a balanced diet, and flossing and brushing regularly. And if you have serious gum disease, your dentists might recommend root planing and scale. The care provider uses a handheld tool referred to as a scaler during scaling and root planning to eliminate plaque and tartar from underneath the surfaces of your teeth and gum line. After that, he smooths your tooth root, making your teeth reattach to your gums.

Gum disease can be quite serious, especially if it starts affecting your nutritional intake. Therefore, if you suspect you might have gum disease and are interested in seeking medical advice, you can start by booking your appointment online at Russell Family Dentistry today.