Gum disease is an insidious threat that starts out small in the form of gingivitis, which is inflammation leaves the tissue vulnerable to colonization by destructive oral bacteria. If gingivitis is left untreated, it will eventually develop into periodontitis, which can lead to permanent gum and jawbone erosion as well as tooth loss. Here’s a quick look at how gum disease affects the mouth, why extractions may be necessary, and how your dentist can address these nasty infections.
How Does Gum Disease Progress?
Gum disease is typically caused by poor oral hygiene and excessive intake of sugary and acidic items, but genetic conditions, pregnancy, and tobacco use may also make someone more likely to develop it. The first stage of gum disease is gingivitis, which is inflammation that can usually be reversed with improved oral hygiene. However, gum disease that is allowed to progress will become periodontitis, which can show itself through symptoms like:
- Swelling
- Angry or dusky redness of the gums
- Gum recession
- Jawbone deterioration
- Changes in bite alignment
- Pain when chewing
- Tooth loss
If gum disease deprives the tooth of the support it needs to stay healthy, it may develop an infection that can spread to other areas of the mouth and the rest of the body. To prevent this, it may be necessary to extract a compromised tooth in addition to performing gum disease treatments.
How Can Dentists Treat Gum Disease?
While removing teeth will not necessarily cure gum disease, your dentist can provide a variety of treatments to address the issue. One of these procedures is scaling and root planing, which is a two-part process usually completed over two appointments. During the first, your dentist will remove accumulations of plaque and bacteria from the teeth, gumline, and the pockets of the gums. During the second, they will clean infectious deposits from the roots of your teeth, which will help them reintegrate with your soft tissues.
Don’t let gum disease ruin your oral health and your beautiful smile. Consulting with your dentist can help you understand how to prevent or resolve this unpleasant dental problem.
About the Author
Dr. Ajneesh “AJ” Chhabra earned his dental degree at the USC Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry in 2012 and has practiced for more than ten years. He takes great pride in providing comprehensive and exceptional care to the community of San Antonio using the latest technology. His office offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as gum disease treatments. If you are concerned about gum disease, contact his office online or dial (210) 686-1082.