What are Gum (Periodontal) Disease Causes, Signs & Treatment Options?

Poor oral hygiene has a lot of detrimental effects on your oral health. Besides causing bad breath, poor oral hygiene leads to the build-up of plaque that combines with harmful bacteria in your mouth, leading to gum disease. So, what is this oral problem, its causes, symptoms and treatment? Below you will find the answers to these questions and more. So, let’s get into it.

What is Gum Disease?

Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is an infection and inflammation of the tissues that support your teeth. As mentioned earlier, poor oral hygiene is the leading cause of periodontal disease, but some people are more prone to the disease than others.

What are the Types of Gum Disease?

There are three main types of periodontal disease. They include:

• Gingivitis– this type of gum disease is caused by the build-up of plaque: a soft, sticky substance caused by bacteria. Failure to brush and floss your teeth regularly leads to the build-up of plaque that combines with food debris stuck between teeth leading to gingivitis. This disease is accompanied by gum inflammation and bleeding gums. Therefore, it is advisable to go for gum disease treatment, as soon as possible. Other symptoms of gingivitis are occasional bad breath even after brushing and swollen or red gums. Fortunately, gingivitis is treatable and does not require complicated treatment for it to resolve.
• Periodontitis– failure to go for periodontal disease treatment leads to the progression of gingivitis, causing periodontitis. At this stage, the disease spreads to the ligaments that hold your teeth. Furthermore, your gums start to pull away from your teeth, leaving pockets that harbour bacteria and plaque. It also becomes challenging to clean your teeth as the plaque hardens, becoming tartar. Gum recession may leave your tooth roots exposed, causing tooth sensitivity. Additionally, your teeth may feel loose as no ligaments or bones are holding the teeth in place.
• Acute Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis (ANUG)– this is a more severe type of gum disease. The disease is a result of bacterial infection that leads to toothache, ulcers, swelling and Halitosis. Some of the symptoms of ANUG are difficulty swallowing or speaking, a metallic taste in your mouth, very painful ulcers and having a lot of saliva in your mouth. If you notice some signs of ANUG, you should visit our gum disease specialist at 91710 immediately. This is because the disease can lead to tooth loss.

What are the Causes of Gum Disease?

Here are some of the causes of gum disease:

• Plaque build-up.
• Chewing or smoking tobacco.
• Prescription medications- some medications reduce saliva production and flow, which is essential in removing food debris stuck between teeth.
• Crooked teeth- are hard to clean, leading to plaque build-up.
• Family history.
• Hormonal shift for females.

What are the Signs & Symptoms of Gum Disease?

Below are the common signs & symptoms of gum disease:

• Loose teeth.
• Receded gums.
• Bad breath.
• Bleeding gums.
• Purplish or reddish gums.
• Pain when chewing.
• Soreness.
• Unpleasant or bad taste in your mouth.
• Gums that feel tender to the touch.

What are the Different Treatments for Gum Disease?

When you go for gum disease treatment, the dentist will explain that there are different types of treatments for periodontal disease. However, different factors affect which treatment will be right for you. These factors include whether you smoke, your health, treatments you’ve undergone in the past and the severity of the periodontal disease.

Here are some of the treatment options for gum disease:

1) Scaling and Root Planning

this procedure is similar to routine dental cleaning, but the difference is that cleaning is deeper. The dental hygienist will clean beneath your gums and remove plaque that a toothbrush cannot remove.

2) Improved Oral Hygiene and Dental Cleaning

If you go for treatment in the early stages of gum disease, our dentist in Chino, CA will perform a dental cleaning to remove plaque on your teeth surface. Moreover, the dentist will encourage you to practice proper oral hygiene to prevent disease progression.

3) Pocket Reduction Surgery

If you have moderate to advanced gum disease, the dentist will recommend pocket reduction surgery. The procedure focuses on removing plaque and tartar found deep under the gums. During this treatment, the periodontist makes an incision in your gums and makes a flap. The flap allows the periodontist to move your gums back from your teeth roots. Next, the dentist cleans your teeth roots to remove bacteria, tartar and plaque. Lastly, the dentist repositions your gums and uses stitches to close the incision.

Get Gum Disease Treatment Near You

Gum disease or periodontal disease is an acute condition that can lead to tooth loss if not addressed. If you notice the signs of gum disease & looking for periodontal disease treatment near Chino Hills, don’t hesitate to contact Ramona Dentistry to get gum disease treatment in Chino, CA. Our dentist will examine your teeth and gums and recommend the most suitable treatment.