This is a rather ironic question to ask considering the fact that the mouth is the one organ we use in communication and communicating with people. So any problem with your mouth is certainly a course for concern.
Furthermore, how infectious gum disease can depend on which part of the world you are in and how much oral hygiene you give your mouth. With that said, in the more civilized world, gum disease is a rarity but when it does occur should be treated as urgent and cured immediately.
Gingivitis or periodontal are the two common gum infection known, they affect the mouth differently. In this article, we will try to detail what each means as we go into the cause, treatment, and way to prevent a reoccurrence or an initiation. Furthermore, we will also provide suitable medical practitioners and facility that are experts in the curbing of such incidences to help you save money cure yourself and restore full mouth health with ease.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is a type of gum disease that affects the gums making them swell, red and painful. This infection is caused by bacteria and can be serious if left unattended. This inflammation is due to the tenderness of the soft tissues that surround the teeth and mostly caused by poor oral hygiene and bleeding when teeth are brushed or taken care of properly. Contrary to popular belief, gingivitis is not periodontal and should not be treated as both but a person suffering from gingivitis is also prone to periodontal.
Causes of Gingivitis
Gingivitis starts from the lower point where the gum meets the teeth by the formation of a whitish thin film of bacteria called plaque which hardens over time to form tartar. This gradually affects the teeth and gums if left untreated can cause a separation of the gums away from the teeth.
Some causes are
- Heavy smoking and tobacco consumption
- Crooked or overlapping teeth especially in children and young adult
- Diabetes mellitus
- Hormonal changes in the body due to pregnancy, puberty, and menopause or prescription drugs
- Chemotherapy treatment or treatment that weakens the immune system is one way or another
- Stress, halitosis, poor nutrition, poor oral hygiene, and alcohol
- Excess sugar consumption or foods that contain sugar in any form
- Dry mouth and poor saliva production
- Symptoms of Gingivitis
- Pus between two teeth
- Bad breath even with good oral hygiene
- Lose tooth that refuses to fall off especially in kids
- A broken tooth or cracked teeth
- Red, sensitive gums that bleed easily
- Whitish gums
- Gums that looks like they are pulling away from the base of the teeth
- Teeth not fitting properly together
Diagnosing Gingivitis
Most people look down on bleeding and swollen gums which are the first obvious signs any gum infection but when you have or is suspected to having gingivitis, visit a medical-dental center where the following can adhere too.
The gum is measured using a periodontal probe to ascertain the depth of the gums and how far away they are from the teeth. Any measurement more than 1-3mm is considered severe and needs urgent treatment
Sends the patient for an x-ray; this will show the under tooth structure and whether it is damaged or the extent of the damage
The dentist closely monitoring the gums, the color, and texture of the affected areas, he/she also monitors the teeth and appearance too.
Check if the gum bleeds when touched
Treatment of Gingivitis
The process of treating gingivitis can be painful due to the sensitive nature of the gums; a good doctor will advise you concerning the eating and lifestyle habits as this is paramount to curbing gum infection.
Treatment involves cleaning of the teeth thoroughly, antibiotic and medication or surgery in severe.
The main aim is for the cause to be removed and medication is given to speed up the recovery and hence curb the recurrence in the future. Furthermore, gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease, so if it is combated, the chances it developing into the advanced stage are slim to none with a good medical facility like Emergency Dentist in Houston.
Can Gum Disease be prevented?
Yes, gum disease is a result of poor oral and dental care with lack of proper care for teeth including what we eat and drink. However, with a healthy lifestyle, gingivitis is a curable and preventable disease.
What is Periodontal?
This is another form of gum disease that degenerates from gingivitis and lack of proper medical care at the onset of any gum infection. When a case reaches the periodontal stage, patients have been known to lose their teeth and the bacteria damages deep into the root canal system
Periodontal Causes
Although periodontal is an advanced form of gingivitis, it does have some cause that one needs to be aware of to help prevent or combat the problem.
- Some causes are the inability to clean your teeth and mouth cavity properly
- The quick succession of bacterial multiplication in the mouth that affect the normal atmosphere of the mouth
- Pocket gaps created between the gum and teeth giving bacteria home to the harbor and release dangerous toxins that destroy the teeth.
As with gingivitis, periodontal can be cure with a good doctor.
Some complications associated with Periodontal
The worst problem to any gum disease is the falling of your teeth as they lose the support of the gums to hold them in place.
Other complications are abscesses in the tooth at odd location
- Bad stinking breath
- Inability to chew or eat properly
- Receding gum that exposes the sensitive area of the root canal to infection
- Risk cardio related issue
- Risk of losing a pregnancy or have babies born with a defect and low weight
Is gum disease serious?
From the above, we can see that anything that has to do with the mouth is dangerous and serious if left untreated. However, the prevention of any type of gum disease is dependent on us to do our best with oral hygiene. When the damage is done, a good dentist should get you back on track with nice smell mouth.
For more information on gum disease or are you looking for a good facility to cure a persistent gum relation infection, you can come into our facility for an emergency gum infection treatment by visiting this site www.emergencydentistinhuston.com for a free consultation.
