Gum disease is a serious bacterial infection that can lead to extremely adverse conditions, including tooth loss. It starts as gum inflammation, causing gum redness and swelling (perhaps some bleeding, too, when brushing your teeth) and can quickly precede to periodontitis, a much more severe disease that will make your tooth become loose and eventually fall off. This is caused by bacteria that build up in the mouth. If left unattended, irreversible damage occurs, and the inner layer of the gum and bone form something like small pockets between the teeth and gums, which are debris and bacteria magnets. Consequently, plaque builds up that hardens over time and becomes tartar, which infects the gums.
This condition urges the body to initiate an immune response to start fighting the bacteria. During this process, the body releases enzymes whose role is to fight an infection. Those enzymes, combined with the bacteria in the plaque produce toxins in the system that break down the bone and the connective tissue that helps teeth remain firm in their places. When this happens, the pockets mentioned before become bigger and go up the gum line, destroying the gum tissue and bone. If a patient reaches that stage, it is hardly unlikely to be able to save their teeth, plus they will have to endure a painful process as teeth become loose. Tooth loss follows, damaging their self-esteem and self-confidence, and requiring costly restorative dental work.
Signs of Gum Disease
If you notice some of the following signs, you should consult your dentist immediately:
- Red, swollen, or tender gums.
- Sores in the mouth.
- Any pain inside the mouth.
- Tooth sensitivity.
- Gum bleeding when brushing.
- Receding gums (your teeth may look longer than before).
- Bad breath that doesn’t get any better.
- Gum abscesses.
- Teeth that are becoming loose or separated.
- Teeth that no longer fit together like they used to.
Anxious Patients: The Pioneering Way to Have your Dental Works
Gum disease is easily preventable and can save you from lots of hardships and suffering. Yet, for some anxious patients, visiting the dentist for a regular check-up that could detect a problem before it turns into a serious condition is extremely difficult.
We do understand where you come from.
For that reason, our dentists here at The Dental Suite have received special training and got certified to treat nervous patients, who seem to be growing in number every year. With the use of sedation dentistry, one of the relaxation techniques we use, we administer an anti-anxiety medication to the nervous patient intravenously so that they induce a state of calm comfort and deep relaxation. This allows our patients to enjoy the unique atmosphere of our clinic, with the great music, tasteful paintings adorning the walls, and facilities that make their dental experience a remarkable one.
Book your first consultation for FREE here, and get all your questions answered at once. Don’t let time fly, especially if you have an increased risk of developing periodontitis (e.g. people with diabetes and those that smoke).
Take this significant step to save your teeth and keep that beautiful smile for as long as possible,NOW!
