Keep Your Gums Healthy With Periodontal Care

Many people think that as long as they have healthy teeth and are cavity free, they don’t need to worry about their mouths. That is not quite true. Periodontics is a special subsection of dentistry dealing with the gums, bones and ligaments of the mouth — basically anything that is not teeth. These parts of the mouth are just as vulnerable to disease and untreated problems can lead to tooth loss.

Read on to find out what the common problems are and how to prevent them.

Receding gums

One of the leading problems encountered in periodontics is receding gums. Receding gums can be caused by any number of different issues, anything from overbrushing of the teeth, abnormal tooth placement, a history of chewing tobacco, eating disorders and even lip and tongue piercings.

Gum recession, which occurs over a long period of time, can lead to sensitive teeth and cavities below the gum line. In addition, it can cause inflamed gums, bleeding from the bums and bad breath. Help prevent gum loss by brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush and by flossing at least once a day.

Periodontitis

Another major affliction that is dealt with in periodontics is periodontitis, an inflammatory disease that affects the tissues that support the teeth. Someone afflicted with periodontitis experiences loss of the alveolar bones that support the teeth. Many of the symptoms are the same as experienced with receding gums: bleeding after brushing, swollen gums, bad breath and even loose teeth. Smoking has been identified as a large factor in people that have periodontitis.

To prevent the disease, brush with a soft toothbrush, floss, use a mouthwash and get regular dental checkups. In adults, periodontitis is the leading cause of tooth loss.

Treatment options

For those afflicted with serious gum recession and periodontitis, there are a number of different treatment options. Initially the dentist will do a deep cleaning of the teeth and encourage the patient to start the normal preventative measures. After several weeks there will be a reevaluation of the patient’s condition. In many cases, surgery may be necessary to help repair some of the damage.

Surgery coupled with post-surgery routine maintenance can help halt tooth loss. Alternate treatments include injecting anti-bacterial solutions such as hydrogen peroxide into the gums. There are also some prescription medication that can help combat the disease and reduce the bone loss, however in many of the most advanced cases there is no option but to operate in order to prevent the loss of teeth.

Robert Seitzinger is a copywriter for Portland Peiodontics, the finest periodontist in Portland. Learn more about services this Portland periodontist offers to keep gums healthy.

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