When it comes to a healthy mouth and a beautiful smile, too many people focus exclusively upon the teeth, which tend to steal the limelight. But good oral health is about more than just dazzling white teeth. According to new teeth specialists in New York, the professionals who replace missing teeth with dental implants, good gum health is just as integral to oral health and a beautiful smile. Unfortunately, a shocking percentage of the population suffers from some stage of gum disease, whether it’s a localized infection or pervasive periodontitis.
In this four-part article series, we shall be speaking to a specialist of dental implant in New York who will provide us with a comprehensive overview of gum disease. In this article, the first installment, we shall be taking a look at exactly what gum disease is and how it makes its progression from mild gingivitis to aggressive periodontitis.
Gum Disease: A Disease Profile Gum disease is a chronic and advanced bacterial infection of the gums generally caused by a neglect of proper oral hygiene and habits such as smoking and a poor diet. More specifically, gum disease is caused by the accumulation of plaque, which is composed of oral bacteria, on the teeth and gums. “If not removed frequently by thorough brushing and flossing, plaque can harden into tartar and this can only be removed by a dentist or oral hygienist,” explains a dental implant specialist in New York.”
“Over time, the oral bacteria work their way down into the narrow gaps between the tooth roots and the gums, allowing deep, chronically infected pockets to form. Since this all occurs beneath the gum line, no amount of brushing or flossing on your behalf will eliminate infection, so it’s at this juncture that professional treatment becomes necessary.”
One of the most important things patients must remember is that the longer you ignore gum problems, the more painful and uncomfortable your condition will get. Additionally, you will stand a greater risk of losing your teeth and this is not even to mention how progressively expensive treatment gets with time and neglect.
The Stages of Gum Disease Gingivitis Gum disease begins as gingivitis, which means “inflammation of the gums”. At this stage, your gums appear red instead of their usual pink, healthy color. They may also appear swollen and will tend to bleed easily when you eat crunchy foods or brush and floss. “Gingivitis is as easily treated as it is prevented,” says a new teeth specialists in New York. “If you have noticed that your gums are inflamed, swollen and bleed easily, book yourself an appointment with your dentist. In most cases, your oral health can be restored with some professional cleanings and with increased home oral hygiene efforts.”
You should also re-asses your lifestyle, diet and try to change any bad habits that may be having a negative impact upon the health of your teeth and gums. Again, early intervention is of vital importance, because if left without treatment, gingivitis can progress to become periodontitis, which requires professional intervention.
Periodontitis Periodontitis is an advanced infection of the gums surrounding the teeth. At this stage, bacteria have penetrated the gum margin, forming deep pockets of infection around the tooth roots. “Without treatment, this can seriously damage the teeth and their supporting structures, which is why advanced gum disease is known to cause tooth loss,” explains a new teeth specialist in New York. “One of the defining symptoms of periodontitis, in addition to the symptoms mentioned for gingivitis, is when the gums recede from the crowns of the teeth. This is caused by the breaking down of the ligaments and bone that formerly supported the teeth and gums.”
We shall be discussing the symptoms of the various stages of gum disease in much greater detail in the next installment of this four-part article series, so tune in again next week!
Stay Tuned for Part 2 To read more about gum disease and the various impacts it can have upon one’s general health, stay tuned for the second installment of this four-part article series.
