Your gums are indispensable in maintaining your overall oral well-being. They play a pivotal role in anchoring your teeth to the jawbone, shielding the delicate roots of your teeth, and upholding the alignment of your smile. When faced with periodontal (gum) disease, the integrity of your gums can deteriorate, leading to receding gums, potential tooth loss, and escalating complications if neglected.
Fortunately, at Davie Advanced Dentistry, Dr. Eli Abbo specializes in periodontics, dedicated to elevating and safeguarding your gum health. Call (954) 434-3331 to learn more.
Gum disease is an oral infection in the gums that can potentially spread throughout the oral cavity. The inception of periodontal diseases is attributed to the accumulation of bacteria around the teeth due to inconsistent oral hygiene and inadequate dental care.
This bacterial buildup manifests as plaque, a whitish bacterial film deposited onto the teeth through food, beverages, mucus, and smoking. If left unchecked, this plaque hardens into tartar, developing between the gums and teeth and causing potentially severe gum disease and other risk factors that may even cause loose teeth.
Gum disease evolves through two distinct stages contingent upon the gravity of the infection:
The progression of gum disease is marked by various symptoms, with severity escalating over time. These signs encompass:
Should you experience any of these indicators, promptly reach out to our Davie practice to schedule an evaluation. Our committed team will discern an effective solution, addressing the infection and rectifying associated damages.
For gingivitis, professional cleaning suffices, targeting the elimination of infection-causing bacteria. These non-invasive cleanings involve specialized dental tools akin to the ones used during routine biannual appointments at our Davie practice.
Reserved for periodontitis cases, the scaling and root planing procedure addresses gum recession by removing tartar and bacteria beneath the gums. Root planing smoothens the connective tissue, minimizing bacterial hideouts.
Adhering to a consistent oral health routine mitigates the risk of gum disease and subsequent dental interventions. Recommendations include:
Generally, gum disease doesn’t resolve on its own, especially in its advanced stages. Early gum disease, known as gingivitis, can be reversible with professional treatment and diligent oral hygiene practices.
Leaving gum disease untreated can lead to severe consequences. It may result in gum recession, tooth loss, damage to the surrounding bone structure, and potentially escalate into systemic health issues if bacteria from the mouth enter the bloodstream.
While gum disease may not have a definitive “cure,” it can be effectively managed and controlled with proper treatment and consistent oral care. Professional intervention, coupled with an oral hygiene routine, can prevent its progression and maintain gum health.
Neglecting oral hygiene is a significant factor contributing to the worsening of gum disease. However, other factors such as smoking, certain medications, stress, and systemic health conditions like diabetes can exacerbate gum disease and increase the risk of complications. Regular dental check-ups and oral care routines are essential in managing and preventing gum disease.
