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Gum disease and tooth loss do not only happen to the elderly - it can happen at any age. Many U.S. adults currently have some form of gum disease ranging from simple gum inflammation to serious damage of the tissue and bone supporting your teeth. Gum disease is a serious issue, with health implications worsening as the condition develops. The worsening of gum disease allows it to potentially spread to other areas of your body. Gum disease originates in the gums, where infections form from harmful bacteria and other matter left behind from eating. In many cases, gum disease can go unnoticed for months until damage is in its most severe stages. Gingivitis: The Early Stages of Gum Disease Gingivitis is a chronic inflammation of the gum tissue and is typically associated with poor oral hygiene. It is the early stage of gum disease, also known as periodontal disease. If gingivitis is diagnosed early on by your dentist, it can be successfully treated and possibly reversed. If left untreated, gingivitis can advance to periodontitis, a more serious oral health issue that is not reversible without surgery. Many people are not even aware that they have gingivitis because it is often not painful. The most common signs and symptoms include red, swollen and puffy gums that bleed easily. Your dentist can evaluate the condition of your gums at your routine checkups. Additional symptoms of gingivitis include mouth sores, itchy gums, bad breath, bad taste, and gum recession, which occur when the gums pull away from the tooth. If you are diagnosed with gingivitis, it can usually be treated easily with a thorough in-office dental cleaning followed up by proper oral care at home. Prevention and Treatment Untreated, gingivitis will usually progress into more serious stages of gum disease, which may cause irreversible bone loss and potential tooth loss. Prevention is essential in the maintenance of your smile. The best way to prevent gum disease is to maintain good oral hygiene by brushing at least twice a day, flossing daily, visiting your dentist for regular checkups and maintaining a proper, nutritious diet. Choosing the proper toothbrush is important in prevention as well. Softer brushes are less likely to injure your gums, and electric toothbrushes often encourage better brushing habits. Remember not to brush too vigorously, though. Brushing too long or too hard can do more harm than good. Regular dental exams are necessary to remove tartar and to detect early signs of gum disease, but your own dental health regimen also plays a major role in preventing the build-up and progression of tartar. Some preventative steps you can take at home to keep your teeth healthy include: * Brush your teeth twice a day
* Floss daily to remove plaque
* Eat a well-balanced diet
* Use a mouth rinse in conjunction with brushing and flossing
* Avoid cigarettes and chewing tobacco When gum disease is detected in its earliest stages, it is extremely manageable and reversible. If you are experiencing bleeding while brushing, or any other symptoms of gum disease, contact your Tysons dentist for further examination. Remember, early diagnosis and prevention is the key in maintenance of your smile.
Sean Hartmen writes for Dr. Sanati, a leading Tysons Corner laser dentist. Offering a wide array of services including teeth whitening and implants, Dr. Sanati, laser dentist Tysons, provides the best in quality dental care for patients of all ages.
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