Your gums are the foundation of your teeth, keeping them firm and in place. Gums are the soft tissues or cartilage surrounding and supporting the teeth. They are essential for maintaining oral health, as they help seal the gaps between teeth and prevent bacteria from entering the gums and causing infections.
However, gum diseases often prevent these “tooth stabilizers” from doing their duty. To steer clear of this situation, you need to watch out for and swiftly remedy swollen or tender gums, bad breath, loose teeth, and several other signs of gum diseases.
This article covers the health risks of gum diseases, their types, and their symptoms.
But first, it’d be wise to answer the question: what are gum diseases?
What are Gum Diseases?
Have you ever woke up in the morning and it felt like one part of your jaw was about to fall straight out of your mouth? That’s a general sign that something is wrong.
Gum diseases are a group of conditions that affect the gums and the underlying bone that supports the teeth. They are caused by a buildup of plaque, a sticky layer of bacteria that forms on the teeth and gums.
Types of Gum Diseases
If you’ve got bad gums, then your issues mostly fall under two categories: gingivitis and periodontitis.
Gingivitis is the mildest form of gum disease and is characterised by red, swollen, and bleeding gums. Gingivitis can usually be reversed with proper oral hygiene, including brushing twice, flossing daily, and seeing your dentist for regular checkups.
Periodontitis is a more severe form of gum disease that can lead to tooth loss. Periodontitis is characterised by red, swollen, and bleeding gums, as well as bad breath, loose teeth, and pain when chewing. Only a dentist can treat periodontitis.
Signs of Gum Diseases
Because we’ve got two main classes of gum diseases, we’ll take them separately.
Signs of Gingivitis
If you spot any of the signs below, know that it is possible you have a case of gingivitis, and it will be smart to treat it before it grows.
- Your gums become red, swollen, or tender. Each time you strain your gums, you’ll often feel a numbing ache.
- Your gums start bleeding under little impact, including brushing or flossing.
- You have bad breath.
- Your gums start receding by pulling away from the teeth.
- You begin to have gaps between your teeth and gums.
Signs of Periodontitis
If you notice some of the following symptoms, you should seek dental help.
- Your gums become red, swollen, or tender.
- Your gums bleed with regular day-to-day activities like brushing or flossing.
- You have bad breath.
- You have a metallic taste in your mouth.
- There are receding gums, meaning they pull away from your teeth.
- There’s a gap between the teeth and gums.
- The teeth become loose.
- Your mouth aches when you’re chewing.
- Your teeth and gums begin to secrete pus.
- Changes in your bite.
- Bone loss around your teeth.
It is important to see a dentist if you notice any of these signs. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent the progression of gum disease and preserve your health.
What to Do After a Positive Gum Disease Diagnosis
So you’ve just found out your teeth are plagued with one of those two classes of gum diseases. Relax; it’s not the end of the world. Those things can be treated. One such method for just the occasion is the Laser Gum Treatment.
Laser gum treatment is a dental procedure that uses a laser to treat gum diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis. The laser is used to remove bacteria and plaque from the gums and teeth and to reshape the gums, if necessary.
Since the procedure is less invasive than traditional gum surgery, it can be used to treat both mild and severe cases of gum diseases.
A few of the other benefits of the procedure include:
- Less Invasive: Laser gum treatment is often less invasive than traditional gum surgery. This can mean less discomfort and a faster recovery time.
- More Precise: Lasers can be used to target specific areas of the gums, which can reduce the risk of damage to healthy tissues.
- Faster Healing: The procedure can often lead to faster healing times compared to traditional gum surgery.
- Reduced Bleeding: Lasers can help to reduce bleeding during the procedure.
- Improved Aesthetics: Laser gum treatment can help to improve the appearance of the gums.
If you have dental issues, your dentist might recommend the procedure. But note that it’s important to discuss the risks and benefits of the procedure with your dentist before making a decision.
How Does Gum Disease Affect the Hollywood Smile?
Lots of people have the Hollywood smile, so it’s only natural to wonder whether each and every one of these people has healthy gums. The answer is yes.
The condition of a person’s gums can affect the person’s smile and overall facial appearance. As a result, before cosmetic dental procedures (like veneers or crowns) can be carried out, it’s first important to ensure the gums are in top shape.
DentSpa achieves this by evaluating your gums, treating gum diseases like periodontitis and gingivitis (if any), and providing the care your gum needs to become healthy enough to carry a celebrity smile. A part of this care includes using special lasers to improve the shape and aesthetics of your gum.
DentSpa Can Provide You With Quality Gum Care
If you suspect you have gum disease or if you’re noticing some symptoms, you need to stop the DIY and direct your efforts towards securing the expertise of a dentist.
Why Choose DentSpa?
The professional tooth doctors at DentSpa have the knowledge, skills, and experience to diagnose you for any gum disease, offer guidance, and provide the necessary treatment.
Gum treatment at DentSpa is guaranteed to come from highly skilled dentists. The team possesses multiple top-class educational backgrounds and has extensive experience working in teaching hospitals and governmental universities.
They also possess state-of-the-art technology necessary for successful gum care. One of these technologies is their laser for gums treatment.
Schedule a visit, book online, or send a WhatsApp. These pros will be there to return your gums to peak form.
FAQs About Gum Diseases
- What causes gum diseases? Gum disease is primarily caused by a buildup of plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teeth and gums. If not removed regularly, plaque can harden into tartar which is more difficult to remove.
- What are the signs and symptoms of gum disease? Gum disease often starts as gingivitis with early signs like red, swollen, or tender gums, bleeding during brushing or flossing, and persistent bad breath. If untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, which includes receding gums, loose teeth, pus between teeth and gums, and changes in bite alignment. Advanced stages may lead to bone loss and tooth loss.
- How can I prevent gum disease? Maintain good oral hygiene, visit your dentist regularly, avoid smoking and excessive alcohol, and manage any underlying health conditions.
- What are the treatment options for gum diseases? Treatment for gum diseases depends on their severity. Mild cases may be treated with professional cleanings and improved oral hygiene. More advanced cases may require deep cleaning procedures or even surgery. In the end, it’s all left to your dentist to decide.
- Can gum disease affect my overall health? Yes, gum diseases have been linked to various systemic health problems, including heart diseases, stroke, diabetes, and premature birth.
- Is gum disease contagious? No, gum disease is not contagious. However, poor oral hygiene practices can increase your risk of developing the condition.
- Does gum disease affect children? Yes, children can develop gum disease. It’s important to start teaching children good oral hygiene habits at a young age.