Periodontal Disease Gum disease is a severe oral concern that can destroy your gums, teeth, and jawbone. It starts silently but progresses quickly. During the first stages, your gums may become tender or swollen. You may also bleed when flossing and brushing. When plaque accumulates on your teeth, the gum tissues may start pulling away from the teeth.This exposes the roots underneath, and if left untreated, the infection can lead to bone or tooth loss. If you experience symptoms of gum disease, our experts at Raptou Family Dental will help to keep the condition at bay. We understand that a beautiful smile starts with healthy gums. That’s why we offer highly effective treatments for gum disease. What Causes Gum Disease?Gum disease mainly occurs due to poor oral hygiene. When you ignore daily brushing and flossing, plaque, a thick sticky substance that contains bacteria, will form around your teeth. While some bacteria found in plaque are harmless, some will affect the health of your gums. If left unchecked, plaque will harden to tartar which can eventually spread, thus, irritating the gums. This can eventually lead to bleeding, soreness, redness, or swelling. You may also be at high risk of developing gum disease due to prescription medication, crooked teeth, smoking, and a family history of gum disease. What are the Risk Factors for Gum Disease?There are many factors that can increase your risk of developing gum disease. These factors include:
Symptoms of Gum DiseaseThere are many symptoms that can point toward gum disease. The symptoms you experience vary based on how advanced the condition is when you notice them. Symptoms include:
How is Gum Disease Treated?There are several different treatments for gum disease. The type of treatment you receive will depend upon how advanced the disease is. With a thorough oral exam, we can determine the severity of your gum disease and therefore determine what treatment will provide you with the best results. Treatments include:
Is Gum Disease Contagious?As you are aware, gum disease can lead to severe cases such as tooth loss. This makes many people ask questions such as, is gum disease contagious? According to the American Academy of Periodontology, gum disease isn’t contagious. While bacteria causing gum disease can pass from one person to another, this cannot contribute to gum disease. Most of the harmful bacteria are already present in your mouth. Hence, it won't make a difference if they are transmitted through kissing or sharing a spoon. The main reason that prevents you from getting gum disease even if you have harmful bacteria is because you maintain proper oral hygiene. With proper brushing and flossing, you’ll prevent the bacteria from multiplying and also discourage them from building up. In this case, you’ll be at low risk of getting gum disease. Can Gum Disease Make You Sick?Gum disease is associated with several health issues, such as heart disease, diabetes, and pancreatic cancer. The bacteria causing gum disease can travel to the bloodstream or other body parts. This may cause blood vessel inflammation, stroke, or heart attack. You can prevent severe health conditions by treating gum disease at its early stage. Is Gum Disease Curable?This is a question from many people when they experience signs such as gum swelling, bleeding or inflamed gums. Gum disease is curable. The type of treatment will depend on the level of gum disease. If treated at the early stages, you’ll safeguard your oral health from infection. Learn More About How Gum Disease Can Affect Your Overall Health. Do you have other questions about gum disease? Our professionals at Raptou Family Dental are here to help. Call us today at (614) 427-0449 for more information. |
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