Gum (periodontal) disease is a common condition that affects the tissues around your teeth. It typically exists in two forms: Periodontitis and Gingivitis. Gingivitis is a mild, non-destructive type of gum disease. If left untreated, gingivitis can advance into periodontitis, which is a severe form of periodontal disease. Severe periodontal disease can result in serious injuries to the gum tissues and jawbone or even cause tooth loss. Luckily, periodontal gum disease can be treated through observing proper hygiene or visiting a dental professional who specializes in treating gum disease & periodontics in Novi, MI, at Novi Family Dentistry.

Causes of Periodontal Disease

Bacteria is the primary cause of different types of periodontal disease. There are over 700 varying types of bacteria that have been identified to be residing in the human mouth. While some of these bacteria are important in maintaining dental health, others cause negative effects. Bacteria develop plaque on teeth and produce an odor when food leftover from eating is found in the gaps between teeth and gums. While the plaque accumulations might be small, the bacteria in the mouth produce chemicals that cause inflammatory responses in the periodontal tissue. A good hygienic practice leaves less food for bacteria to consume, which reduces plaque and prevents gum disease.

Symptoms of Gum Disease

The signs of gum disease are somehow non-specific and appear in your gum tissue as characteristic signs of inflammation i.e.

  • Swollen gums
  • Bleeding gums
  • Purple or bright red gums
  • Gums becoming tender and, in some cases, painful when touched

In addition, the speckling that typically exists on the periodontal tissue of some individuals always disappears, and the gums appear shiny when they become swollen and pushed over the underlying sore tissue. The buildup might also cause an unpleasant odor. When your gums are swollen, the epithelial layer of the periodontal crevice becomes wounded, and the gums may bleed more easily when brushing your teeth, even through gentle brushing. The bleeding is more likely to happen when flossing.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to visit a dental professional to determine how severe your condition is and the action required to address the gum disease before it results in major damage.

Treatment of Gum Disease

The method used to treat periodontal disease varies depending on how severe your condition is. Mild periodontal disease can be treated through observing an enhanced dental hygiene routine that includes brushing your teeth after every meal, regular flossing, and utilizing an antibacterial mouthwash. Dental professionals can prescribe medication that can help fight the growth of bacteria. Severe gum disease might require intensive cleaning by a dentist or surgical treatment by a gum specialist. Your dentist can remove plaque from your teeth by scrubbing it off using a specialized tool or, in some instances, a laser. If your gum disease does not heal, a dental professional might require to undertake removal surgery to get rid of the unwanted plaque.

Locally set antibiotics also combat bacteria chemically by slowing their growth or killing them off. Your dentist can prescribe antibiotics in the form of pills or place them directly on the bacteria-invaded area. A dental professional is able to place antibiotics locally under your gum line to kill the existing bacteria that will prevent future growth.

If you have any questions or want to learn more about gum disease, contact Novi Family Dentistry today by calling 248-289-8938 or scheduling an appointment online.

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Gum (periodontal) disease is a common condition that affects the tissues around your teeth. It typically exists in two forms: Periodontitis and Gingivitis. Gingivitis is a mild, non-destructive type of gum disease. If left untreated, gingivitis can advance into periodontitis, which is a severe form of periodontal disease. Severe...