As far as the written record goes, people recognized the importance to keep their teeth clean. It was believed that the Ancient Egyptians used a “chewstick” before toothbrushes. This was a piece made of wood. It was pointed and brittle on one end (floss) and also frayed on the opposite side (bristles).
In China, the Tang Dynasty (619-907 A.D.) saw the world of dentistry shift. The first toothbrush was invented. It was constructed of Siberian hogs’ furs and had a bamboo or bone handle.
Since then, people are able to take better care of their mouths by getting rid of the bacteria that thrive in the humid and dark environment. Dental issues like gum diseases can be prevented with flossing and brushing.
What are the different types of Gum Disease?
Plaque and tartar are the consequences of microorganisms, such as bacteria that don’t get cleaned from your teeth. The accumulation of these forms the form of a sticky layer that causes decay to teeth and erodes gums. Gradually, if it’s not taken care of the buildup can cause gingivitis, which is the first stage of gum disease. When it continues to progress it will become a more serious condition known as periodontitis.
Here at Addison Dental, we see patients with gingivitis or periodontitis nearly every day. Although it’s a frequent condition, many people don’t know what each one means. Knowing the basics of each oral health issue can help you to prevent or treat your gums and teeth.
In general, gingivitis occurs when healthy gums become inflamed. The swelling gums are caused by microorganisms hiding under the surface. But, gingivitis does not always show obvious symptoms, so at the point, you notice there’s a problem it might have morphed to a gum condition called periodontitis.
Maybe your gums are swelling or bleeding. It is important to find out if you suffer from gingivitis or periodontitis. Addison Dental can help you to determine the state of your dental health. In the meantime, this guide gives you an overview of all types of gum disease.
What is Gingivitis?
The least intimidating types of dental problems Gingivitis is one of the least difficult dental issues to treat and correct. It is a minor condition in which your gums are damaged and inflamed. Other symptoms may also occur. Gingivitis can be treated by paying attention to the signs.
Signs of Gingivitis
You can see signs that something isn’t right when you pay close attention to your mouth when you clean. Gingivitis can be characterized by reddening gums or swelling at the gum line.
It is also possible to notice bleeding when flossing or brushing your teeth more frequently than usual. Gum inflammation may be an issue if it occurs often, even if you do not feel it. Another sign that something’s not right with your gums could be random bleeding.
Gingivitis: How to Treat It
Gingivitis can be treated by simply improving the health of your mouth. It is a good idea to make it a regular practice to brush and floss your teeth on a regular basis. If you’re having issues and still brushing it’s worth taking a look at the technique you are using and making sure you’re using the proper angles.
Regular dental checkups are an essential part of a regular dental hygiene routine. When was the last time that you went to your dentist? Any time you’ve been away from your dentist for more than six months, it’s time to make an appointment. With a dental exam and a thorough examination, we can spot any developing problems early. Gingivitis is more than bleeding gums. Grave gum infection may cause the loss of bone as well as other health issues.
Professional dental cleaning is done by a hygienist using special tools for removing tartar and plaque. A prescription for antiseptic mouthwash can be given by the dentist. These steps will help to prevent gingivitis from developing into an extremely serious form of gum disease.
Periodontitis Explained
The people who suffer from gingivitis might neglect it or fail to realize they’ve got it. If left untreated, periodontitis develops. Only a dentist is able to manage the problem at that stage.
Periodontal disease in its mildest form is manifested as inflammation in the periodontium. It’s the tissue of the gum and bone that bind your teeth to your jaw. If too many unhealthy bacteria and plaque develop in these areas, they form pockets under the gum line.
In later phases, severe periodontitis begins to develop gradually. The infection can become a problem for other parts of your body. The infection is combated by your body’s immune system. However, the problem continues to spread when you do not practice the best oral hygiene.
How Do You Determine if You have Periodontitis?
The periodontal disease worsens gradually, in phases. As plaque buildup and the spread of bacteria the severity of the symptoms is increased. The early stages of periodontitis are more difficult than frightening. It is a cause of persistent bad breath and bright gums that are red. However, gingivitis gum disease is reversible, while periodontitis isn’t.
Untreated periodontitis is likely to appear as your gums are sensitive and your overall health suffers. Incorrect alignment of teeth is caused by loose teeth. Receding gums replace healthy gum tissue. When the connective tissue isn’t strong enough to keep your tooth in its place you could experience tooth loss.
The chronic periodontitis condition has a host of risk factors, as well. It is caused by an ongoing infection that is present in your body. This kind of gum disease could lead to further damage and could be fatal. If you’ve been told you have gum disease, it’s not something to overlook.
As your body is fighting infections, it’s vital to see your dentist and physician regularly. Poor oral hygiene combined with periodontal disease will not get better without treatment, especially when your diet is poor. It will result in loss of teeth and gums, as well as medical issues from the chronic inflammatory response which includes cardiovascular disease.
How to Relieve Periodontitis
Gum disease at the stage of advanced periodontitis is difficult to manage. There’s no easy fix as there is to avoid gingivitis. It’s going to require a professional clean and regular dental hygiene at home.
It is crucial to look after the health of your mouth. This isn’t just about receding gums. Gingivitis and periodontitis could indicate the presence of an infection. Your dentist should get inside your mouth to clean the infection by using antibiotics or root planing. The procedure employs tools to get under the soft tissue, and then remove the plaque that your gums accumulated when they became swollen. When you have a clean gum line, gums are reattached to the teeth.
In the case of severe conditions in which a professional cleaning isn’t enough. The plaque spreads and gums build up dirt. At that point, when the periodontal problem doesn’t get better by taking care, surgical treatment is the next option.
In a surgery designed for the treatment of gum disease, your dentist will open the swollen gums so they can access the tooth’s root and then clean it. When the roots are cleaned and then the gum tissue is put back together. It then gradually reconnects to the tooth. Although the procedure is minorly invasive, it’s not necessary if you know how to avoid gum disease and care for your gums and teeth.
Pay attention to the warning signs of Gum Disease
There are many instances of gingivitis that do not have to cause periodontal disease. However, this severe gum disease is the leading reason for tooth loss. Fortunately, with early detection and a thorough dental cleaning frequently, you can stay clear of it altogether.
Gum disease, in its mild form, called gingivitis is simple to treat. If it’s not treated the condition can develop into a more serious form of gum disease. It is easy to prevent periodontal disease, as well as all its complications. Maintaining healthy oral health is crucial. Make sure to visit Addison Dental regularly for checkups. We’ll treat gum disease and other dental issues at the base!