Everything You Need To Know About Gum Disease Treatment
Gum disease is an infection of the gums that can progress to affect the bone supporting the teeth. It is a major cause of tooth loss in adults. Gum disease is caused by plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth. Plaque begins to form on teeth within minutes after they are cleaned. If plaque is not removed, it can harden and turn into tartar (calculus). Once tartar forms, it is much more difficult to remove.
Brushing twice a day and flossing daily can help prevent gum disease by removing plaque before it has a chance to harden into tartar. Regular dental checkups at Maple Dental Hygiene Care are also important in order to clean teeth thoroughly and detect gum disease early when it is most easily treated.
There are two types of gum disease: gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums due to plaque buildup. Periodontitis is inflammation of the tissues and bone surrounding the teeth due to plaque buildup. Symptoms of gingivitis include red, swollen, or bleeding gums. Symptoms of periodontitis include bad breath, loose teeth, receding gums, and pus between the teeth and gums.
Gum disease is treated with a professional cleaning (scaling and root planing) to remove tartar from above and below the gum line. Medications may also be prescribed to help control infection or reduce inflammation. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to restore the health of the gums and bone.
Prevention is the best way to avoid gum disease. Brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and getting regular dental checkups can help remove plaque before it hardens into tartar. Quitting smoking and controlling diabetes can also help reduce the risk of developing gum disease.