Take care of your oral health with gum disease prevention
It has been reported that almost half of American adults have some form of gum disease, or “periodontal disease.” The older you get, the more at risk you are for developing this oral health issue. Periodontal disease is prevalent and is considered the number one cause of tooth loss in adults. However, it is entirely preventable. Drs. Sina Reangber, Scott Koo, and the team at Lifetime Smiles in Haymarket and Gainesville, Virginia, believe in providing patients with the information they need to quickly identify the early signs of gum disease for successful intervention and treatment.
What is gum disease?
Gum disease is an infection that happens within the mouth due to the growth of harmful bacteria. This infection needs to be addressed as soon as it is spotted to intervene successfully. That requires assessing and treating the gums with an experienced dental professional in the community.
How to prevent gum disease
Learning how to prevent gingivitis and the later stages of periodontal disease starts with some of the following recommendations from our dentists:
- Stay dedicated to your oral hygiene every day to avoid the development of plaque, tartar, and calculus.
- Keep up with regular, preventative care with your dentist, visiting at least every six months to clean and evaluate.
- Eliminate bad habits that can cause severe damage to the smile, including chewing hard objects or smoking cigarettes
- Take care of overall health, as certain conditions can cause changes to the smile that can impact oral health.
What are the signs and symptoms of gum disease?
Below are some of the more common signs of periodontal disease that should not be ignored:
- Irritation, redness, and swelling of the gum tissues
- Tender or painful gum tissue
- Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
- Noticeable gum tissue recession
- Sensitivity of the teeth
- Loosening teeth
Are you experiencing gum problems or other signs of disease?
Call the Lifetime Smiles team in Haymarket and Gainesville, VA at (571) 248-7389 to request an appointment at 5391 Merchants View Square. We are open to new and returning patients and families interested in cosmetic, implant, and restorative dentistry solutions.
Gum Disease
The 3 stages of gum disease are gingivitis, periodontitis, and advanced periodontitis. Gingivitis is caused by toxins irritating the gum line as a result of plaque buildup. Signs and symptoms of gingivitis includes swelling, sensitivity, and bleeding of the gums during brushing and flossing. Gingivitis can be easily reversed through professional care and good home oral hygiene. Periodontitis is categorized by irreversible bone loss that results from untreated gingivitis. The gums may begin to form a pocket below the gum line which traps food and plaque. Dental treatment and home care can help prevent from further damage, but at this stage, the results are not reversible. Advanced periodontitis is when the fibers and bones supporting the teeth destroyed. This may cause teeth to shift or loosen. Teeth may have to be removed depending on how advanced the disease has become and if treatments are not effective. You can begin by preventing gum disease with good oral health. Pick up a brochure or ask your dentist today.