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Gum Disease Treatment
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| • | Gum Inflammation: Healthy gums should be pink, firm, and not swollen and tender. |
| • | Bleeding Gums: Healthy gums should not bleed easily, especially during routine activities such as brushing or flossing. However, it's essential to note that occasional bleeding can also occur due to aggressive flossing or brushing. |
| • | Bad Breath: Persistent bad breath, also known as halitosis, can be a symptom of gum disease. |
| • | Shifting Teeth or Loose: Advanced gum disease results in the loss of the bone that supports the teeth, causing them to become loose or shift position. |
| • | Receding Gums: When gum disease grows, the gums pull away, exposing the teeth and causing them to appear longer than usual. |
| • | Pain or Discomfort: Gum disease can cause pain or discomfort in the gums, particularly during activities such as chewing. |
| • | Pus Between Teeth and Gums: In severe cases of gum disease, pockets may form between the teeth and gums, providing a breeding ground for bacteria and leaving a foul taste in the mouth. |
| • | Changes in Bite Alignment: In the later stages, teeth become loose or shift position, causing a change in your bite alignment. |
| • | Sensitive Teeth: Gum recession and exposure of the tooth roots can lead to increased sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods and beverages. |
| • | Abscesses: In its last stage, gum disease causes abscesses to form in the gums or between the teeth, causing immense pain. |
| • | Poor Oral Hygiene: When you don't floss and brush regularly, plaque builds up on your teeth. When plaque hardens into tartar, it irritates the gums and can lead to infection and inflammation. |
| • | Tobacco Use and Smoking: Smoking and the use of other tobacco products increase gum disease risk by impairing blood flow to the gums. |
| • | Genetics: Genetics play a role in determining a person's susceptibility to gum disease. Some are genetically predisposed to developing gum disease, even if they maintain good oral hygiene habits. |
| • | Poor Nutrition: If your diet lacks essential nutrients, your immune system weakens, making it difficult for the body to fight infections, including gum disease. |
| • | Certain Medications: Some medications can have side effects that affect oral health. For example, certain drugs, such as anticonvulsants and immunosuppressants, can cause gum overgrowth, making it easier for plaque to accumulate and lead to gum disease. |
| • | Hormonal Changes: Fluctuations in hormones, such as those occurring during pregnancy, puberty, menstruation, and menopause, affect the gums' sensitivity and make them more vulnerable to inflammation. |
| • | Chronic Stress: Chronic stress weakens the immune system and keeps the body from fighting infections. |
| • | Certain Medical Conditions: Certain diseases, such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and HIV/AIDS, can increase the risk of gum disease. |
| • | Poorly Fitted Dental Restorations: Dental appliances such as braces, bridges, or ill-fitting dentures can create areas where plaque and food particles accumulate, increasing gum disease risk. |
| • | Flap Surgery: The gums are lifted back to remove tartar deposits and smooth irregular surfaces of the damaged bone, then the gums are secured back in place. |
| • | Bone Grafts: Synthetic or natural bone is used to replace bone destroyed by gum disease, promoting bone regeneration and supporting the teeth. |
| • | Soft Tissue Grafts: Tissue from another part of the mouth is used to reinforce thin or receding gums, improving their appearance and reducing sensitivity. |
| • | Gum Grafting: In cases where gum recession has occurred, exposing the tooth roots, gum grafting is necessary. This procedure focuses on pocket depth reduction, protecting the roots from further damage. Tissue from another part of the mouth is transplanted to cover exposed roots and minimize gum recession. |
 Hours Mon: Tues: Wed: Thurs: Fri: Sat: Sun: 8am - 5pm 7am - 6pm 9am - 6pm 7am - 4pm 7am - 2pm Closed Closed |
Imagine this: You are happily munching away on your favorite snack when suddenly, ouch! Your gums start throbbing, and it feels like you have bit on a pebble. You start wondering what you ate recently that's causing this pain. The discomfort has more to do with your oral hygiene than what you ate. Your tender gums are probably causing pain, which indicates a mild or severe case of gingivitis. Let's take a look at what it is and how it can be treated.