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Periodontal disease, more commonly known as gum disease, affects a number of adults to varying degrees. Depending on the progression of the disease, one may notice inflamed gums that make teeth sensitive to temperatures and pressure, ultimately weakening the support of teeth and may lead to their loss.
Family dentists go to great lengths to educate patients of all ages on the importance of oral hygiene to prevent such ravages to oral health, neglect of which may require the attention of cosmetic dentists to repair the damage.
Who Gets Gum Disease and How?
For many, the first time they feel symptoms of gum disease is usually once it had progressed significantly. This usually comes after ignoring milder states of periodontal infections such as gingivitis. This is almost always the direct effect or improper hygiene practices that allows plaque to build up along the gumline. This accumulation of bacteria applies itself as a film that traps in food and foreign agents that harden to become tartar. At this point, only a professional cleaning can address what brushing could have avoided.
Who is Most at Risk?
Obviously the unhygienic are most susceptible for contracting gum disease and oral infections. There are developmental changes, such as puberty and menopause that can increase the probability of developing gum disease. There are some with medical conditions that make them more prone to all kinds of infections and disease. But there are also lifestyle choices and habits that increase the likelihood of contraction.
Smokers of cigarettes are exposed to carcinogens that can contribute to tartar build, and regular smokers are at higher risk for treatment due to lower immunities to combat infection. Those with Type-2 or Adult Onset Diabetes regularly develop infections that can lead up to gum disease, if this coupled with a high sugar and/or carbohydrate diet, contributing additives to plaque are introduced.
What are Signs of Gum Disease?
As with all infections, the body communicates that something is wrong as fast as possible. Most people don't recognize these warning signs, increasing the chance of irreparable damage, discomfort, and pain.
For many, the symptoms are the same. One will experience foul breath, swollen and inflamed gums, tenderness, bleeding, discomfort when eating and drinking, increased sensitivity, and discoloration of teeth. While any one of these symptoms may not be indicative of gum disease, several of them warrant immediate attention from a dentist.
How is Gum Disease Treated?
As with other visits to the dentist, there will be a recounting of medical history to assess the past health of the patient. This will be followed up by an examination to determine the extent of the infection and the state of the gums and teeth. There are many treatment options that are readily available to dentists, and the method chosen depends on the patient and their condition. Irrespective of the method of treatment, the patient will be expected to reevaluate their method of oral hygiene to prevent a second infection.
In addition to this change in lifestyle and daily routine, most dentists will encourage regular visits and deep cleanings to remove tartar that may have been missed in the months prior.
If you are seeking professional dental advice, it's time to call Shumway Dental Care. Their Chandler dentists will ask you questions, examine you, and determine exactly what needs to be done to get you back to normal. Call today for an appointment. Visit http://shumwaydental.com/.
