Gum disease affects 80% of Americans in some form or another. That means that at one point in your own life, you are very likely to suffer from mild to severe periodontal disease. This statistic is particularly startling when you consider that gum disease is totally preventable and highly treatable in early stages. BaaBee Dentistry in Las Vegas understands how common, yet how devastating gum disease can be. If left untreated, it can cause tooth decay, tooth loss and even bone and tissue loss in the jaw.
Types of Gum Disease
There are two main forms of gum disease:
- Gingivitis is the most common and most basic type of gum disease. If you don’t brush regularly, floss regularly, and visit the dentist every six months, plaque builds up on your teeth. As it builds on the gum line, it causes the gums to become red, swollen and infected. If your gums bleed when you brush, or if your gums are more red than pink, you may have gingivitis. If left untreated, gingivitis can lead to periodontitis.
- Periodontitis is more severe than gingivitis and is the leading cause of tooth loss in American adults. If gingivitis is left untreated, spaces begin to develop between the gums and teeth as your body tries to fight the infection. Plaque spreads into those spaces, causing the infection to worsen and the spaces to widen even further as your body continues to attack the problem. As the viscous cycle continues on, teeth are no longer safely rooted in healthy gum tissue and can fall out.
Prevention Is The Best Form Of Treatment
The best way to ensure you don’t suffer tooth loss from gum disease is to prevent it before it happens. Dentists don’t tell you to brush and floss twice a day because they want to torture you, they recommend this because it prevents plaque buildup and thus prevents gum disease.
Bi-annual visits to the dentist are also critical for preventing gum disease. Sometimes, even if we brush and floss twice per day, we may not remove all of the plaque and tartar on our teeth. These regular checkups and cleanings allow the dentist to remove buildup and examine your teeth and gums closely for signs of infection. Remember, if caught early, gum disease is reversible.
Smoking and tobacco use is the leading cause of gum disease. So even if you brush and floss regularly and keep your dental appointments, you are still at risk for periodontal issues (not to mention cancer) if you use these products. Quitting smoking and chewing tobacco can help reduce your risk of gingivitis and periodontitis.
Treating Gum Disease
If Dr. Kevin detects gum disease, he will recommend treatment immediately. The course of treatment will depend upon the stage of gum disease from which you suffer. If caught early, gingivitis can be treated with a thorough cleaning and a commitment to regular brushing and flossing. Dr. K may also prescribe an oral antiseptic mouth rinse to boost your daily routine.
If you suffer from more advanced periodontal disease, Dr. Kevin will evaluate your gums and make an individualized treatment recommendation. Every patient will be different, but common forms of treatment include:
- Gum scaling/planing: Dr. K will numb the teeth and gums and deep clean the mouth below the gum line. He will then smooth out the teeth to prevent bacteria from finding tiny holes in which to creep.
- Gum surgery: This is reserved for the most severe cases of gum disease where the patient has lost or is in imminent danger of losing teeth. If the gums have receded, tissue grafts may be required. In some cases, bone grafts may be required to build up the jaw.
Don’t Delay Treatment
If you notice that your gums are swollen and/or bleeding, don’t put off seeing your dentist. Periodontal disease it treatable and you shouldn’t have to suffer tooth loss because you skipped a few visits to the dentist. If you are nervous about seeing the dentist, call BaaBee Dentistry of Las Vegas. Dr. Kevin and his team are known for their commitment to patient care and comfort. Let them help you treat and reverse your gum disease.