Gum Disease

Maintaining your oral health is important. It goes beyond brushing and flossing your teeth. You do it to prevent gum disease or other complications. However, gum disease can occur. It can affect your smile negatively. If you are dealing with it, it’s important to see an Orem dentist as soon as possible. They are skilled at spotting gum disease at any stage and will provide you with an effective treatment.

In this guide, we’ll discuss what gum disease is and what the common causes are. If you believe you have it, it’s important to make an appointment with a dentist in Orem soon. The longer you delay, the worse it will get. Let’s discuss gum disease in-depth including the health problems it can be linked to.

What is gum disease?

Gum disease (or periodontal disease) is an infection involving the gums. The gums are tissues that are designed to hold your teeth in place. One of the more common causes of gum disease is poor dental hygiene habits. This can cause plaque to build up and harden on teeth. As this progresses, the gums will begin to turn red. They will also swell up and bleed as well.

If this happens, you will need to make sure you are treated for gum disease as soon as possible. Finding a periodontics expert in Orem, UT may be one of your best options. Especially if you are dealing with a severe gum issue. Leaving it untreated can lead to various issues. For example, the disease can spread to the bones that are covered by the gums. You will have a hard time chewing as it will be painful most of the time. Loose teeth can also be a possibility - to the point where they may fall out. As such, you will need to have those teeth extracted as soon as possible.

What causes gum disease?

Aside from poor dental hygiene, there are plenty of different causes of gum disease. These include but are not limited to heavy smoking or alcohol use among others. As such, if you are being treated for gum disease, it is important to quit using tobacco or alcohol as soon as possible. Failure to do so will make treatment for gum disease very difficult.

How is it diagnosed?

A dentist will be able to diagnose gum disease. Most of the time, it will be by way of a gum examination. They will use a probe instrument to measure the pockets that are located around your teeth. For a healthy mouth, these pockets should be anywhere from 1 to 3 mm. Deeper pockets are a sign that gum disease is occurring.

A medical history survey will also be performed to spot any conditions or risk factors that may be responsible for gum disease. Lastly, an x-ray will be taken to see if there is any bone loss that has occurred due to gum disease.

Gentle Dental Arts has a team of dental experts that will be ready to examine your gums. If gum disease is present, they will determine the best treatment option for you. It’s important that you follow a treatment plan accordingly to ensure that you are able to preserve a healthy smile.

How is gum disease treated?

The treatment for gum disease will depend on the severity of the condition. However, it is important that you must perform regular dental hygiene practices at least twice daily. This also includes flossing once a day, morning or evening.

As mentioned, it is highly recommended that you refrain from using tobacco or alcohol products. Doing so will help improve treatment. Aside from your regular dental hygiene, you will need to visit a dentist every six months for regular checkups and cleanings.

The sooner you visit a dentist for gum disease diagnosis and treatment, the better. It is important that you stick with the treatment plan recommended by our dental professionals at Gentle Dental Arts in order for it to be effective.

What are the symptoms of gum disease?

Aside from bleeding and reddish gums, you may experience other symptoms that are common with gum disease. They include, but are not limited to the following:

  • Soreness of gums and teeth
  • Bad breath
  • Difficulty chewing (including pain)
  • An unpleasant taste
  • Loose teeth
  • A noticeable change in the way your teeth fit together

If you notice these symptoms, you will need to make an appointment with an Orem, UT dentist as soon as possible. It’s unclear what stage of gum disease you may be at. At earlier stages, gum disease can be reversible. However, it will be more difficult if it is at advanced stages. In the event of the latter, a dentist will be able to refer you to a periodontist for any treatment that may be needed to repair your gums.

What to do after dealing with gum disease?

If you have lost teeth due to gum disease, a smile makeover may be needed. This can include several different options including dentures, partials, or implants among others. You may also consider veneers or crowns as well.

Before you undergo these procedures, the dental professionals at Gentle Dental Arts will need to take care of any existing dental issues. This includes any tooth decay or gum issues that may arise. Once taken care of, we will soon provide you with options for restorative dentistry based on the condition of your teeth.

Gum Disease? See Gentle Dental Arts for An Appointment

If you believe you are dealing with gum disease, make sure Gentle Dental Arts is able to treat it. Our team of dentists will diagnose and provide you with a treatment plan to ensure your gums become healthier than ever. Don’t delay any longer. Gum disease can get worse and can hurt the rest of your smile. Don’t take any more chances than you need to.

To set up an appointment, you can call our office at 385-233-9823. Or you can stop by at 385 W. Center St, Orem, UT 84057. Contact us today!