{"id":262,"date":"2024-05-09T12:38:58","date_gmt":"2024-05-09T12:38:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/familydentalsimivalley.com\/blog\/?p=262"},"modified":"2024-05-09T12:48:40","modified_gmt":"2024-05-09T12:48:40","slug":"how-does-gum-disease-affect-your-smile","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/familydentalsimivalley.com\/blog\/how-does-gum-disease-affect-your-smile\/","title":{"rendered":"How Does Gum Disease Affect Your Smile? And What Can a Periodontist Do?"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Gum<\/p>\n

Smile is one of the most valuable assets, and taking care of your smile involves more than just flossing and brushing.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Gum (periodontal) disease is a common oral health condition that leads to dental health issues. However many people don\u2019t realize that untreated <\/span>gum disease<\/span> might change the appearance of your smile.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In this blog, we will review what <\/span>gum disease<\/span> is, its common symptoms to watch for, and what periodontists can do to prevent your health smile.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0What is <\/span>Gum Disease<\/span>?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Gum disease is also known as <\/span>periodontal disease<\/span>. It is an infection that affects the tissues surrounding teeth, including your bones, gums, and ligaments. This disease can affect anyone with poor oral hygiene such as people who don’t brush and floss regularly. <\/span><\/p>\n

It starts with the accumulation of plaque which is a sticky film of bacteria on teeth. Moreover, if not removed through regular flossing and brushing, this plaque can harden into tartar, which leads to the development of gum disease.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Mainly there are two <\/span>types of gum disease<\/span> which are gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is the milder form where gums become red, swollen, and may bleed easily. This is often caused by poor brushing and flossing habits. If not treated properly gingivitis can advance to periodontitis.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In periodontitis, the gums are pulled away from the teeth and form spaces that can become infected. The body’s immune system fights the bacteria as the plaque spreads below the gum line, potentially leading to tooth loss if untreated.<\/span><\/p>\n

Common Symptoms and Signs to Watch For<\/span><\/h2>\n

Some of the common symptoms and signs of gum disease to watch for<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Swollen gums.<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Tooth loss.<\/span><\/p>\n

3. Bleeding gums.<\/span><\/p>\n

4. Bad breath.<\/span><\/p>\n

5. Pain while chewing.<\/span><\/p>\n

6. Loose teeth.<\/span><\/p>\n

7. Reddish gums.<\/span><\/p>\n

8. Tender gums.<\/span><\/p>\n

9. New space and gap between the teeth.<\/span><\/p>\n

10. Infection around the gum line.<\/span><\/p>\n

11. Gum recession.<\/span><\/p>\n

Risk factors for periodontitis<\/span><\/h3>\n

– Hormonal changes<\/b>– Some hormonal changes in women assigned female at birth, such as using birth control pills or pregnancy, can increase the chances of developing periodontitis.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

– Diabetic patients- <\/b>People who have diabetes have a greater risk of developing infections which also include periodontitis.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

– Genetic factors-<\/b> Your family history as well as genetics can put you at higher risk for this disease.<\/span><\/p>\n

– Smoking-<\/b> This is one of the most significant factors that weakens the body\u2019s ability to fight this infection.<\/span><\/p>\n

– Other health issues-<\/b> Health issues that cause inflammation in the body like cardiovascular, COVID-19, and arthritis diseases are linked with gum disease.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Who is a Periodontist and What Do They Do?<\/span><\/h2>\n

\"What<\/p>\n

A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in treating gum diseases and the structures around the teeth, making them an essential <\/span>dentist for all your dental needs<\/b><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

They help in preventing, diagnosing, and treating gum problems. <\/span>Periodontitis treatment <\/span>can help you to keep your gums healthy, which is important for having a good smile and keeping your teeth for a long time.<\/span><\/p>\n

What periodontists do-<\/strong><\/p>\n

– Treat gum diseases like gingivitis and periodontitis.<\/span><\/p>\n

– Periodontitis treatment <\/span>helps in deep cleaning the mouth to remove plaque and tartar.<\/span><\/p>\n

– Place dental implants to replace missing teeth.<\/span><\/p>\n

– Perform surgeries to help heal gums.<\/span><\/p>\n

– Use lasers and other modern tools for less painful <\/span>periodontal disease<\/a><\/strong> treatments.<\/span><\/p>\n

– Monitor the health of gums and bones around teeth.<\/span><\/p>\n

Treatment Options for Gum Disease<\/span><\/h2>\n

\"Gum<\/p>\n

People having moderate to advanced<\/span> gum disease <\/span>require surgical intervention, and these surgical treatments for this disease include-<\/span><\/p>\n

Flap Surgery<\/span><\/h3>\n

One treatment for treating <\/span>gum disease<\/span> is flap surgery. It involves lifting the gums back to remove tartar buildup and smooth areas of damaged bone, allowing the gum tissue to heal more effectively around the teeth. Once the area is clean, the gums are sutured back into place to fit properly around the tooth.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
Purpose<\/b><\/td>\nTreats advanced gum disease.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Process<\/b><\/td>\nGums are lifted, cleaned, and then reattached.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Outcome<\/b><\/td>\n\n