Symptoms, Causes, And Treatment Options For Gum Disease And Why You Should Get It Treated
Gum disease (also known as periodontal disease) is sometimes due to genetics, in which case no matter how good you care for your teeth, you could develop it. There are also many other causes of gum disease that you can control. Below are some symptoms, causes, and treatment options you have, as well as a health problem you may have if you do not get it treated.
Symptoms of Gum Disease
Some symptoms of periodontal disease include reddened, swollen gums that bleed when you floss or brush your teeth. This is known as gingivitis. Having a bad taste in your mouth and bad breath are also symptoms of gum disease. Over time, your gum tissues will start to recede, which exposes the root surfaces. This may cause your teeth to be sensitive to hot and cold foods and drinks.
You may form abscesses on your gums, which can cause pain, discharge from your gum tissue, and swelling. If you do not see a dentist, over time your teeth may start to drift and become loose as more bone is lost.
Causes of Gum Disease
You can get gum disease if you do not brush and floss your teeth regularly. Your mouth is full of bacteria, and brushing and flossing helps remove some of this bacterium. Plaque can also form on your teeth. If not removed, the plaque will harden and form tartar, after which caring for your teeth will not remove it. Only a dentist can get tartar off your teeth through a dental cleaning.
Treatment for Gum Disease
Your dentist can offer many different types of treatments for this problem. The first thing they will want to do is to control the infection in your gums. The dentist will tell you to brush and floss twice per day, and they may prescribe a special mouthwash for you. If you have a bad infection, they may prescribe antibiotics.
The dentist can remove the plaque by scaling and root planing, which is a deep cleaning method. During the scaling process, the dentist will scrape off the tarter from below and above your gum line. During the root planing process, the dentist will remove any spots that have hardened. They may use a special tool or a laser to do this. If none of this treatment works, there are some surgical options you have, such as gum graft surgery.
Problems With Memory Loss
If you are having memory loss, it could be caused by gum disease. According to a study from the University of Central Lancashire School of Dentistry, gum disease may be linked to dementia and Alzheimer's. This is caused by the bacteria in your gums traveling to your brain and killing nerve cells.
If you have signs and symptoms of gum disease, see your dentist at once. The sooner you start treatment the better outcome you will have.