Gum Disease
About 80% of adults in America suffer from one or the other form of gum disease. This doesn't mean to take the situation lightly because oral health in lots of ways manages your overall health. Gum disease occurs mostly due to neglected proper oral care. A timely dental checkup can help find out the signs of gum disease at its earliest. At Fay Hu DMD, Dr. Hu can help detect the early signs and symptoms and provide the right gum disease treatment.
What is periodontal (gum) disease?
"Perio" refers to as around and "dontal" as teeth, which means periodontal (gum) disease is an infection that affects the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth. Plaque forms when bacteria in the mouth combine with saliva and stick onto the teeth. Brushing and flossing can help remove plaque to a certain extent. The plaque that stays gets hardened over time creating "tartar." Plaque that sticks below the gum line can inflame the gums as a result of our body's response. This plaque and hardened tartar can be removed with the help of professional dental cleaning. If neglected, this can even result in tooth and bone loss.
What are the signs and symptoms of gum disease?
Its signs and symptoms are:
- Loose teeth
- Sensitivity
- Gum recession
- Painful, swollen, or red gums
- Bad breath
- Teeth looking longer than usual
What are the factors that lead to gum disease?
The main risk factors that lead to gum disease are:
- Too much alcohol consumption
- Smoking
- Stress
- Diabetes
- Genetics
- Certain medications
- Change in hormones
- Illnesses that weaken the immune system
What are the ways to treat gum disease?
Treatment depends mostly on the severity of the condition, and our primary goal is to stop the spread of the disease and gain control over it. We mainly focus on providing non-surgical treatment options, such as:
Scaling and Root Planing – Through scaling, the dentist removes tartar present above or below the gum line with the help of a specialized tool. After that, with root planing, the rough spots on the tooth roots that contain bacteria are cleaned well.Â
Professional dental cleaning– During the dental examination, the dentist removes plaque and tartar present on the surface of the teeth. The dentist may suggest more number of cleanings depending on the stage of the gum disease you are in.
Please get in touch with us through online consultation or by calling us at 407-647-3223, and we'll guide you further.
