A few spots of blood on your dental floss or toothbrush might be an early indicator of gingivitis. Periodontal disease, when left untreated, may lead to the loss of permanent teeth and serious infections that can affect your general health.
Gum disease and gingivitis are serious issues that Dentist Bellaire treats. Our team of dentists will work with you to develop a healthy dental hygiene routine and conduct a thorough examination of your teeth for any early signs of gingivitis. This will boost your self-assurance regarding your overall health.
A Problem That Affects Everyone
Gingivitis and gum disease are widespread among Americans, with around 47% of those aged 30 or older having some sort of dental condition. Gum disease’s most severe form is persistent periodontitis, which causes significant health issues for those who have it.
Gum disease is one of the most common diseases of the mouth. Gum disease, or periodontal disease, affects around 70% of people over the age of 65 and is a major cause of tooth loss. Men are more likely to have gum disease than women (56 percent vs. 38 percent).
Gingivitis Is Hard to Recognize at Home Because of Its Symptoms
Gingivitis is the most common, albeit mild, form of gum disease. The early warning indications of this condition may go unnoticed on occasion. The following are some of the most frequently reported symptoms of gum disease at an early stage:
- Gum recession
- Gum edema or discoloration is a common side effect.
- Bad breath that persists for more than a day
- Gum pain or tenderness near the base of your teeth
- Especially if you brush or floss your teeth.
- Teeth-related changes, such as new gaps or spaces appearing.
- When you chew or bite, the way your teeth interact changes.
- Teeth that are not maintained effectively can loosen.
If you or a member of your family has observed any one of these warning indications, it’s crucial to visit our dental staff as soon as possible. The most effective method of preventing serious problems, such as the loss of one or more permanent teeth, is to detect and treat gum disease early.
Gingivitis Risk Factors
If you have a family history of gingivitis and gum disease, you are more likely to get it. Gum disease can be exacerbated in individuals who have diabetes or immune system problems. Other risk factors include smoking, drinking alcohol excessively, and having a low level of oral hygiene:
- Smoking and snuff dipping are linked to an increased chance of gum disease by aggravating gums’ irritation.
- Frequent consumption of sugar-containing meals and beverages can contribute to the development of plaque, which is a risk factor in the development of gingivitis. Junk food also frequently takes the place of nutritious and healthy foods that provide the vitamins required for healthy teeth and gums.
- Medications that cause dry mouth are frequently linked to the development of bacterial infections and gingivitis.
Fillings, crowns, and other dental equipment may irritate the gums and lead to gingivitis and gum disease in certain situations. When fillings or other dental restorations begin to break down or deteriorate, this is more likely. Taking care of your teeth as soon as possible for these problems can help you avoid developing gingivitis and periodontal disease, not to mention save you time.
The Risks of Plaque Build-Up
Plaque is a hard-to-detect, sticky substance that forms on the teeth’s surface. It is largely made up of food scraps and the bacteria that consume them. Unfortunately, plaque remains for a long period of time, resulting in considerable swelling and the development of gingivitis.
Brushing and flossing are the greatest methods to remove plaque, which has also been linked to tooth decay and cavities. Plaque that hasn’t been scraped away promptly becomes tartar, a protective coating for germs and plaque. In most circumstances, tartar (also known as calculus) can only be removed during a professional dental cleaning. We may assist you in maintaining your teeth clean while also promoting gum health at our practice.
Complications of Gum Disease
Gum disease is a serious problem that can result in a variety of severe physical disorders. Patients with periodontal disease are more prone to develop cardiovascular problems, for example. Gum disease can lead to infections or lung problems due to the risk of breathing in germs that are present in gum disease.
Gum disease and gingivitis are more common among men than women. Gingivitis or gum disease, according to the American Academy of Periodontology, puts males at a 14% higher risk of developing some kind of cancer. Gum disease is associated with a variety of malignancies, which are much more prevalent in men:
- Gingivitis or periodontal disease increased the chance of men’s leukemia by 30%.
- Gum disease raises the risk of kidney cancer by 49 percent in males.
- Patients who have both high triglycerides and diabetes are 56 percent more likely to develop pancreatic cancer.
Gum disease is more common in individuals with diabetes. Gum disease also raises the risk of hyperglycemia and type 2 diabetes. Dental checkups are especially crucial for these individuals to obtain the best possible outlook for both diseases.
The Right Help for You and Your Family
Dr. Fisher, at Davis Fisher DDS is dedicated to giving you the finest care for gingivitis and other gum diseases possible. Give us a call right now to book an appointment with one of our team of dental specialists. We are here to help you at all times.